Genetic Variation in Forest Tree Species for Climate Change Adaptation: A Study from the Austrian Alps

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to forest ecosystems worldwide, particularly in alpine regions where temperature and precipitation variations can have dramatic impacts on forest structure and function. This study investigates the genetic variation in key forest tree species in the Austrian Alps to understand their potential for climate change adaptation. Using molecular markers and field trials, we assessed the genetic diversity and climate-related traits of species such as Picea abies (Norway spruce), Fagus sylvatica (European beech), and Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine). Our results show that populations in lower altitudes exhibit higher genetic variation related to drought and heat tolerance compared to those in higher altitudes. This suggests that genetic resources from lower altitude populations could be valuable for improving the resilience of alpine forests in the face of climate change. The study also examines the role of forest management strategies, such as assisted migration and selective breeding, in enhancing climate adaptation. These findings provide valuable insights for forest conservation and management, emphasizing the need for genetically diverse forest populations to ensure long-term ecosystem stability in the Austrian Alps and similar temperate regions.