Abstract

Evaluating Aspen Genetic Adaptation to the Autumn Environment with GIS
Track: Forestry and Wildlife Management
Authors: Chen (Klaus) DING, Andreas Hamann

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) forests in Alberta are in the midst of dramatic changes due to current and upcoming negative impacts of local climate. To assist our forest managers and tree breeders for improving aspen forest performance with more adapted genotypes, a GIS-based method of evaluating aspen genetic variation inferred from leaf fall phenology has been developed. This project focuses on historical analyses of aspen geographic variation with the remotely-sensed satellite data (2001-2006) and provenance trial experiment since 1998. The finding of the study is new, as both approaches show a north to south clinal variation of aspen fall phenological traits, which informs the early frost risks for migrating aspen. Understanding the geographical variation of aspen natural population is critical for tree adaptation to climate change. The study forms the basis for aspen migration prescriptions aiming at selecting and migrating suitable tree stocks that addresses current forest development targets.