Abstract Detail

Population Genetics/Genomics

Gomez Quijano, Maria Jose [1], Gross, Briana L. [2], Etterson, Julie R. [3].

Understanding population structure of northenr red oak (Quercus rubra) in Minnesota.

The North Shore region in northern Minnesota has a unique climate moderated by Lake Superior, resulting in warmer winters, a reduced risk of spring frost, cooler summers, and an extended fall season. Observations show that coastal seeds from different tree species such as northern red oak (Quercus rubra) fail to become established when they are planted in inland areas, which has led to the avoidance of coastal seed collections. Poor performance of coastal seed sources in inland climates suggest that these populations may be genetically differentiated. We combined neutral molecular markers and a common garden experiment to examine population differentiation corresponding to distance from the lake. We used restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) to examine population structure in Q. rubra populations. To examine phenotypic differentiation, we collected acorns and planted them in a fully randomized block design in the greenhouse, where germination and juvenile traits were measured for a full season. Our results suggest that Q. rubra populations are not differentiated at neutral genetic markers. But, there is evidence of increasing levels of introgression from Q. ellipsoidalis into Q.rubra as species overlap and population distance from the lake increases. Our scan for selection showed five outlier loci, and allele frequencies at some of these loci are consistent with introgression of alleles from Q. ellipsoidalis in inland populations, although other patterns are clear as well. Overall, despite the lack of population structure, the Q. rubra populations do differ for key phenotypic traits, which suggests the influence of natural selection based on physical distance from the lake and the environment from where populations were collected.

1 - University Of Minnesota Duluth, Biology, 1035 Kirby Drive 207 Swenson Science Building, Duluth , MN, 55807, United States
2 - University Of Minnesota Duluth, Department Of Biology, 207 Swenson Science Building, 1035 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812, United States
3 - University Of Minnesota Duluth, 207 Swenson Science Building, 1110 Kirby Drive, 207 Swenson Science Building, 1110 Kirby Drive, 1035 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812, United States

Keywords:
GBS
common garden
Quercus
Introgression
hybridization
population genetic structure
RAD-seq data.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: PGG2, Population Genetics and Genomics II
Location: /
Date: Wednesday, July 21st, 2021
Time: 11:15 AM(EDT)
Number: PGG2006
Abstract ID:579
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award