Inferring genetic structure of European beech from observations of spectral phenotypes

Abstract

AbstractBiodiversity loss presents a growing threat to the global environment and requires systematic and spatially contiguous monitoring. Monitoring of within-species genetic variation, a key factor when assessing biodiversity loss, is laborious and could be complemented by observations of phenotypes allowing inferences about genetic variation. We studied genetic and phenotypic variations in the common European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) derived from whole-genome sequences and spectral phenotypes of more than 200 individuals at 22 sites across the species’ natural range. The spectral phenotypes were collected under standardized illumination/observation conditions from the same top-of-canopy leaves used for nuclear DNA extraction. We found that spectral and environmental information explains 77.7% of the variance along the first two Principal Coordinates representing genetic structure among sampled individuals. Information from spectral phenotypes contributed 12.1% to predictions of between-site genetic structure. We therefore conclude that future remote observations having sufficient spectral and spatial resolution could improve our ability to rapidly and continuously monitor genetic diversity in trees.HighlightsGenetic diversity underpins biodiversity which loss requires systematic monitoringSpectral phenotypes acquiredin situare indicative of genetic variationIntraspecific spectral and genomic variation correlate across a species rangeSpectral phenotypes improve prediction of the between-site genetic structureRemote observations may contribute to monitoring genetic diversity within species