Adaptation of tree growth to elevated CO2: quantitative trait loci for biomass in Populus

Rae, A. M., Tricker, P. J., Bunn, S. M. and Taylor, G. (2007) Adaptation of tree growth to elevated CO2: quantitative trait loci for biomass in Populus. New Phytologist, 175 (1). pp. 59-69. ISSN 0028-646X doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2007.02091.x

Abstract/Summary

Information on the genetic variation of plant response to elevated CO2 (e[CO2]) is needed to understand plant adaptation and to pinpoint likely evolutionary response to future high atmospheric CO2 concentrations.• Here, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for above- and below-ground tree growth were determined in a pedigree – an F2 hybrid of poplar (Populus trichocarpa and Populus deltoides), following season-long exposure to either current day ambient CO2 (a[CO2]) or e[CO2] at 600 µl l−1, and genotype by environment interactions investigated.• In the F2 generation, both above- and below-ground growth showed a significant increase in e[CO2]. Three areas of the genome on linkage groups I, IX and XII were identified as important in determining above-ground growth response to e[CO2], while an additional three areas of the genome on linkage groups IV, XVI and XIX appeared important in determining root growth response to e[CO2].• These results quantify and identify genetic variation in response to e[CO2] and provide an insight into genomic response to the changing environment