Cold adaptation recorded in tree rings highlights risks associated with climate change and assisted migration

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04039-5
• Publication Date: 2018-04-16T11:04:24Z
• Authors: David Montwé; Miriam Isaac-Renton; Andreas Hamann; Heinrich Spiecker
• Keywords: Frost (temperature)

With lengthening growing seasons but increased temperature variability under climate change, frost damage to plants may remain a risk and could be exacerbated by poleward planting of warm-adapted seed sources. Here, we study cold adaptation tree populations in wide-ranging coniferous species western North America inform limits transfer. Using tree-ring signatures from common garden trials designed genetic population differentiation, find opposing geographic clines for spring fall damage. Provenances northern regions are sensitive frosts, while the more productive provenances central southern susceptible frosts. Transferring southern, genotypes northward causes significant loss growth permanent rank change after event. We conclude that should an important consideration when implementing transfers mitigate harmful effects change.