Scoping multi-species genotyping for genome-environment association study

Project lead  Prof Richard BuggsRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Lead organisation  Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Collaborators  N/A

Project status  Pilot year project completed

Project funding  £162,000

Research outcome  Adaptation

Context

This pilot project will germinate and generate genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for around 1,500 seedlings from 2–3 species of tree that have been banked under the UK National Tree Seed Project (UKNTSP) that have short germination times, such as downy birch (Betula pubescens) and silver birch (Betula pendula).

The population structure of each of the target species’ UK distribution will be analysed and interpreted with reference to the history of colonisation and planting in the UK. We will carry out genome-environment association (GEA) studies to seek genes involved in local adaptation.

Expected outcomes
This project will deliver:

  • UK-wide, publicly available genome-wide SNP data for 2–3 UK broadleaved tree species.
  • A report and assessment of the degree of local adaptation in UK populations of these species and suggestions as to how these data could inform seed sourcing for tree planting projects.
Further resources linked to this project
CFP Phase 1 Project (2022-2025)

Silver birch (Betula pendula) seedling.

Glossary & Key Terms
Downy birch (Betula pubescens)

Downy birch is one of two native birches in Britain and was historically an important source of wood for fuel, charcoal and small wood products, particularly wooden bobbins. It was not seen as a timber tree and the increased use of plastics saw it fall out of general use. There is increasing interest in the potential for birch as a productive forest species. Downy birch is a native tree and is categorised as a Principal tree species. For more information, see Downy birch (DBI) – Forest Research.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism. It includes all of the organism’s DNA, which contains the instructions needed for growth, development, functioning, and reproduction.

Genome-environment association (GEA)

The statistical relationship between genetic variations (genotypes) and environmental factors. It is a method used to study how organisms adapt to their local environments by identifying specific genes that are associated with particular environmental conditions.

Silver birch (Betula pendula)

Silver birch is one of two native birches in Britain and was historically an important source of wood for fuel, charcoal and small wood products, particularly wooden bobbins. It was not recognised as a timber tree and the increased use of plastics saw it fall out of general use. There is increasing interest in the potential for birch as a productive forest species. Silver birch is a native species and is categorised as a principal tree species. For more information, see Silver birch (SBI) – Forest Research.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)

A variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals.

UK National Tree Seed Project

Kew launched the UK National Tree Seed Project (UKNTSP) in 2013.

The project collected and stored seed from native trees and shrubs throughout the UK. Multiple collections were being made, right across the native range of each species, in order to develop genetically representative collections in the MSB. Over 10 million seeds have been successfully stored. For most of these collections each mother tree was georeferenced, and their seed stored separately. For more information, see UK National Tree Seed Project (Legacy) | Kew.

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