The role of pollen in the changing environmental conditions of Scots pine

Abstract

Rapid climate warming poses a challenge to forest trees adapted to cooler conditions. However, a genetic safety net may exist for wind pollinated tree species in the form of long distance gene flow mediated by pollen containing alleles that are (pre)adapted to a warmer climate. In order to examine long distance gene flow in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), we monitored flowering phenology in central, northern, and northernmost Finland and measured the amount and viability of airborne pollen over four years. Viable airborne pollen grains were detected during female flowering periods and prior to local pollen shedding in all study sites. Depending on the year and study site, female flowers were exposed only to pollen originating elsewhere for between one and four days. Foreign airborne pollen represented 2.3% of all viable grains detected and varied between years and study sites. Artificial pollination trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of pollen origin on seed siring success. Pollen genotypes originating from southern Finland sired 76% and 48% of seeds in competition experiments where pollen from both populations was introduced simultaneously into the female strobilus. Furthermore, we investigated the importance of pollen arrival order by introducing pollen of northern and southern genotypes in to the strobilus at two-hourly intervals. Northern genotypes sired 76% of the analysed seeds when injected first but when southern genotypes were supplied first, both pollen types enjoyed equal success. The first pollen grain in the pollen chamber did not always fertilize the ovum. Instead there is likely a more subtle and complex form of competition between genotypes and their pollen grains. To examine chemically-mediated pollen interactions we conducted an in vitro germination experiment where different genotypes were in chemical but not physical contact. Both positive and negative interactions were found. We found highly negative effects in the germinability of northern pollen grains when in contact with southern pollen, and an increase in the germinability of southern pollen when in contact with northern pollen. There was no variation in the size of dry pollen grains between sources, but after hydration and germination, northern pollen grains were larger than southern pollen. Genotypes with high hydration rates had low germinability and slow pollen tube growth rates. This suggests that early germination and growth of the pollen tube is more dependent on pollen storage materials and less dependent on water intake. Pollen source affected the outcome of competition experiments and therefore is an important factor in long distance gene flow. However, genotype also plays a role and must be taken into account.