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Our group is working on population genetics, phylogeography, quantitative genetics and provenance research with a strong focus on forest trees. Our main interest is how neutral and adaptive processes shape genetic diversity of tree populations. For this purpose we maintain a large network of field trials and nursery experiments for quantitative genetics. We also apply a wide variety of molecular markers. In total, we take care for about 70 field trials all over Austria ranging from elevations as low as 200 m up to elevations of 1700 m and including coniferous trees like Norway spruce or European larch, but also Pedunculate oak or Wild cherry. Besides maintaining and measuring our field trials, we run a number of research project (funded by different organisations) to improve knowledge on the processes shaping genetic diversity of forest trees
The main objectives of our current research are:
- Genecological studies on forest trees have already a history of more than 200 years. Although such comparative trials were mainly established to improve quantity and quality of timber, they also provide valuable insights into the quantitative genetic variation within and among populations. In our group we aim to use available quantitative genetic data to understand local adaptations and finally to help adapting our forest to future climate conditions. For example, PhD candidate Stefan Kapeller compiled data of a Norway spruce trial series that includes 480 provenances tested on 42 sites (project funded by STARTCLIM and INTERREG Alpine Space). In the ACRP-Project DouglAS and through bilateral cooperation with the ASP Teisendorf we complied provenance plot data for more than 80 Douglas fir field trials containing more than 300 different populations.
- Oak genetics: recently, we established a new progeny/provenance test with pedunculate and sessile oak on five trials sites in Austria. White oaks are the natural tree species in many secondary spruce forests in the northern alpine foreland and East/South-East Austria. Also, white oaks are considered to be more suitable for future climate conditions than other current forest tree species (e.g. Norway spruce, European beech) in many regions of Austria. In our trial, 462 half-sib families of 21 provenances from Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Germany were planted in 2007/2008. Althought the primary goal of the test is the develop provenance recommendations for forestry, we also expect valuable insights into the distribution of quantitative variation of various adaptive traits. First quantitative and molecular genetic analysis is ongoing.
- Besides selection and local adaptation, also neutral population genetic processes (i.e. drift, population expansion, migration, gene flow) affect the distribution genetic variation. Within a couple of research project we aim to understand the phylogeography of tree species (e.g. of the Afromontane tree Prunus africana) or try the quantify the spatial scale of pollen-mediated gene flow, which could potentially contribute to the adaptation of forests to climate change.
- Climate change is expected to modify the distribution of tree species, tree species diversity and the forest ecosystems connected to these species within a few generations. Moreover, climate change is expected to threat the genetic diversity of species significantly. In particular, local adaptations at the warm and dry border of the species ranges are endangered. In our research, we test for the effects of climate change on existing conservation networks for genetic diversity of trees , in order to develop efficient monitoring and management measures to maintain the local adaptations which are strongly needed for in ongoing and future selection and breeding schemes.