The dehydrins gene expression differs across ecotypes in Norway spruce and relates to weather fluctuations

Abstract

Norway spruce has a broad natural distribution range, which results in a substantial variety of its physiological and genetic variation. There are three distinct altitudinal ecotypes described in this tree species. The physiological optimum of each ecotype may be shifted due to ongoing climate change, especially in traits associated with water demand that might be crucial for adaptation. Dehydrins are proteins that help to mitigate the adverse effects of dehydration. Dehydrin gene expression patterns appeared to be a suitable marker for plant stress assessment. Genetically determined differences in response between individuals and populations were formerly studied, however, mainly in controlled conditions. We evaluated ecotypic variation in dehydrin gene expression in a clonal bank comprised of all three ecotypes. A genetic relationship among targeted trees was uncovered utilizing GBS (Genotyping by Sequencing) platform. We sampled 4–6 trees of each ecotype throughout 15 months period. Subsequently, we assessed the RNA expression of dehydrin genes by qRT-PCR. For this study, we deliberately selected dehydrins from different categories. Our findings detected significant differences among ecotypes in dehydrin expression. The association of recorded climatic variables and individual gene expression across the study period was evaluated and revealed, for certain genes, a correlation between dehydrin gene expression and precipitation, temperature, and day-length.

Temperature is an important driver for cold acclimation in garden roses

“…In a previous study (Ouyang et al, 2020), it was not clear if dehydrins reacted only to temperature or are also induced by SD. In Norway spruce, PaDHN6 was described to be regulated by temperatures but was also highly up-regulated by a short period of SD (Cepl et al, 2020). Here, we show that after 24 h SD at 20/18 • C (HT), RhDHN5 transcripts responded to a limited but significant effect for 'Yesterday', 'Abraham Darby', and R. wichurana (Fig.…”

Revealing the Complex Relationship Among Hyperspectral Reflectance, Photosynthetic Pigments, and Growth in Norway Spruce Ecotypes

“…We assumed the adaptation to the original climatic conditions was genetically determined. These assumptions were supported by preliminary SNPs data cluster analysis ( Čepl et al, 2020 ). Although there is no information about distinguishing Norway spruce ecotypes from spectral reflectance neither at canopy nor at needle level, we expected these adaptations to be reflected in variable hyperspectral reflectance of young shoots.…”

“…High variation in drought stress within Norway spruce populations across vegetation zones was previously reported ( Trujillo-Moya et al, 2018 ). Recently, a significant variation among Norway spruce ecotypes was found in dehydrin gene expression ( Čepl et al, 2020 ). The most notable difference between acuminata and obovata ecotype was found in specific dehydrin PaCAP1 expression.…”

Genetic diversity of Norway spruce ecotypes assessed by GBS-derived SNPs

“…As we focused on mature trees that persist on the stand despite the ontogenetic selection, we probably largely genotyped individuals that bear distinctive genetic pattern favorable to higher altitudes. Additionally, several ecophysiological studies indicated the resilient specific status of high-elevation ecotype such as enhanced drought tolerance 107 , higher nitrogenous content in needles 108 , and significantly different patterns in dehydrin gene expression 109 .…”