Patterns of genetic variation within and among populations in Arbutus unedo and its relation with selection and evolvability

摘要: The study of plant adaptation is especially relevant in the context expected global change, which will modify key environmental factors, such as temperature and precipitation. Here, we strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) throughout its climatically variable range: predominantly circum-Mediterranean, but also along Atlantic coasts from Morocco to Ireland. In a common garden experiment, studied 12 traits assess hypothetical effects natural selection on population genetic structure. These were selected because it well known that they are highly affected by climatic factors To this aim, used QST-FST approach. Firstly calculated additive variance (VA), heritability (h2) evolvability. Then, obtain QST, standardized measure differentiation among populations displayed quantitative traits, compare with FST, putatively neutral loci. Our results showed QST was significantly lower than FST 6 11 had demonstrable VA Low values typically explained stabilizing selection. We propose may select for norm reaction produces similar phenotype even diverse genotypes different localities. Further, evolvability found morpho-structural predicts Arbutus retains variation allow continue adapt environments species range.