Abstract Detail

Ecophysiology

Gamba, Diana [1], Lorts, Claire [1], Haile, Asnake [2], Lopez, Lua [3], Xia, Tian [4], Kulesza, Evelyn [4], Elango, Dinakaran [4], Kerby, Jeffrey [5], Yifru, Mistire [6], Bulafu, Collins [7], Wondimu, Tigist [6], Glowacka, Katerzyna [8], Lasky, Jesse [9].

Genomics and physiology of local adaptation to elevation in Arabidopsis thalina.

The model plant Arabidopsis thaliana has an astounding elevational range, from below sea level to over 4500 m. Much of the genetic and phenotypic diversity in this species is likely associated with local adaptation along elevational gradients in different mountain ranges across its native range in Eurasia and Africa. The combination of cool and cold conditions and high light during vegetative periods poses a major challenge to life in high elevation environments. Here we took a multi-regional view of the genomics and physiology of local adaptation along elevational gradients in Arabidopsis. We studied genomic and phenotypic variation among 270 natural accessions, with a focus on performance and traits associated with photosynthesis. We found elevational clines in several traits, with increasing flowering time and 𝛿¹³C at higher elevations for western Mediterranean accessions and decreasing flowering time at higher elevations for central Asian accessions. Accessions from both regions had greater biomass at higher elevations. East African accessions showed increased antioxidant activity at higher elevations. Notably, clines differed among regions, perhaps because elevation means different environmental gradients in different regions, or because alternate ecological strategies are involved in adaptation in different regions.

1 - Pennsylvania State University, Biology - Plant Sciences, 101 Huck Life Sciences Bldg, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
2 - Pennsylvania State Univesity
3 - California State San Bernardina
4 - Pennsylvania State University
5 - Aarhus Institute for Advanced Studies
6 - Addis Ababa University
7 - Makarere University
8 - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
9 - 408 Life Science Building, University Park, PA, 16802, United States

Keywords:
local adaptation
Arabidopsis thaliana
genomics
GWAS
Photosynthesis.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: ECOPH2, Ecophysiology II
Location: /
Date: Tuesday, July 20th, 2021
Time: 1:15 PM(EDT)
Number: ECOPH2011
Abstract ID:653
Candidate for Awards:None