Genetic diversity patterns in phenological traits of Quercus robur L.

Date

2025-7

Author

Karabulut, Nergis Bilge

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Oaks are among the most adaptable temperate tree species, which makes them especially valuable in the context of climate change. Phenological traits are major predictors of a tree's response to climate. Hence, this study investigates genetic variation in bud phenology—specifically the timing of bud burst and bud set, as well as growing season length (GSL)—in Quercus robur L. (pedunculate oak) seedlings from different populations and mother trees within populations across four Central European countries. To answer the question of how much of the observed variation in bud phenology could be attributed to population-level differences versus among mother trees within populations, phenological data gathered through a common garden experiment was analyzed via nested ANOVA models. Our findings revealed significant mother tree effects on genetic variation for most phenological traits, while population-level effects were only significant for terminal bud burst timing. Lateral phenological traits showed weak differentiation among populations, but among mother trees, specifically in bud burst and GSL, considerable variation was detected. Therefore, rather than being shaped by climate or geography, these traits appear to stem from within-population genetic differences. Additionally, the great variability and delayed timing observed in lateral buds may be a consequence of higher phenotypic plasticity in the lateral shoots, which may be contributing to the seedlings’ survival in a changing climate.

Subject Keywords

Quercus robur L., Bud phenology, Genetic variation, Adaptive traits, Climate change

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/115523

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis