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Home → Publications → Climate Change / Assisted Migration → Ecological genetics of Pinus contorta in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains of Utah

Ecological genetics of Pinus contorta in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains of Utah

Rehfeldt, G. E. 1985. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, Volume 15: 524-530
Journal Article
Transfer Guideline: Recommendation

Utah, USA

Genetic differentiation of 45 populations of Pinus contorta primarily from the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains was studied in field, greenhouse, and laboratory tests. Analyses of variables reflecting growth potential, morphology, cold hardiness, and periodicity of shoot elongation revealed population differentiation for a variety of traits. Regression models related as much as 77% of the variance among population means to the elevation and geographic location of the seed source. For genetic variation to be arranged along relatively steep environmental clines implies pronounced adaptive differentiation. As a result, seed transfer in reforestation should be restricted severely if maladaptation is to be controlled.