Genetic adaptation of Tibetan poplar (Populus szechuanica var. tibetica) to high altitudes on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

Plant adaptation to high altitudes has long been a substantial focus of ecological and evolutionary research. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying such adaptation remain poorly understood. Here, we address this issue by sampling, genotyping, and comparing populations of Tibetan poplar, Populus szechuanica var. tibetica , distributed from low (~2,000 m) to high altitudes (~3,000 m) of Sejila Mountain on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Population structure analyses allow clear classification of two groups according to their altitudinal distributions. However, in contrast to the genetic variation within each population, differences between the two populations only explain a small portion of the total genetic variation (3.64%). We identified asymmetrical gene flow from high‐ to low‐altitude populations. Integrating population genomic and landscape genomic analyses, we detected two hotspot regions, one containing four genes associated with altitudinal variation, and the other containing ten genes associated with response to solar radiation. These genes participate in abiotic stress resistance and regulation of reproductive processes. Our results provide insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying high‐altitude adaptation in Tibetan poplar.

Genetic Adaptation of Siberian Larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) to High Altitudes

“…Previously, Zheng et al [18] revealed the presence of altitudinal adaptation in the Tibetan poplar population. Two hotspot regions of the genome were detected, one of which (four genes, chromosome 15) was associated with altitudinal variation, and the other (10 genes, chromosome 6) with response to solar radiation.…”

“…De Kort et al [17] studied regional climate adaptation of drought-sensitive black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) across Europe and reported significant associations between variation of several loci of this tree species and temperature and latitude. Zheng et al [18] discovered two specific regions in the Tibetan poplar (Populus szechuanica var. tibetica) genome associated with altitude and response to the solar radiation level, and gained insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptation to highlands in plants.…”