Genetic adaptation and variation of frost tolerance related genes in the introduced Sequoia sempervirens, fast growing high quality timber tree species and the prospective for German forestry.
The natural distribution range of Sequoia sempervirens (D.Don) Endl. is a narrow coastal area in northern California and southern Oregon. The area belongs to the climate hardiness zones 10a-9a, categorized by the “US Department of Agriculture” (USDA). Germany with a more continental, colder climate is categorized into hardiness zones 8b-7b. In perspective to climate change and the resulting changes in precipitation and temperature, coastal redwood with its excellent wood properties, represents an interesting option for a sustainable forestry in Germany.
Currently, due to the climatic differences between Germany and the natural distribution range planting sequoia is still at high risk. Few genotypes could be found which show higher frost resistance and in the last 50 years these were propagated and planted in mainly botanic gardens and arboreta.
To optimize the available genetic resources of frost resistant genotypes of S. sempervirens, plant material from the Californian natural distribution range were tested with freezing temperatures in controlled climate chamber experiments. Tested plants are observed in their phenotypic reaction to frost and are analysed with selectively neutral (SSRs) and adaptive (SNPs) genetic marker. Further, before and after the frost occurrence clones of the same origins were sampled for gene expression analysis. Different expressed genes are used for the development of a selection system, based on adaptive genetic marker, to identify frost resistant genotypes.