DNA marker-based genetic structure and diversity of Norway spruce populations in Lithuania

Abstract

Norway spruce is the most economically and ecologically important forest tree species covering 21.1% of the total forest area in Lithuania. However, yearly, more extensive areas of Norway’s spruce forests are becoming vulnerable to pests and diseases due to the changing environmental and climate conditions. According to the EU Forest Strategy 2030, maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems is essential for adapting forests to climate change and restoring forests affected by it, as populations with lower genetic diversity may be more susceptible to environmental changes or diseases, which may reduce their productivity. DNA markers-based knowledge of the genetic diversity and structure of Norway spruce populations in Lithuania will help to increase their resilience and adaptation to climate change. Up to date, in Lithuania, Norway spruce has not been studied using different DNA markers (e.g., nuclear, chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA analysis). Previous genetic studies of Norway spruce have been based on phenotypic variation and the results from provenance trials. Therefore, the PhD study aims to investigate the evolutionary origin of Norway spruce populations in Lithuania based on nuclear and organelle DNA markers and to assess the genetic structure and diversity and possible loss of genetic variation due to genetic drift and inbreeding in Lithuania. The PhD project and its implementation plan will be presented.