Genetic Studies Reveal a Tree’s History to Ensure its Future
The iconic ponderosa pine is vulnerable to climate shifts, high-intensity wildfires, and bark beetles — as well as development that replaces trees. To keep the ponderosa pine standing tall, researchers are looking for answers in its genes. For five years, Eastern Threat Center cooperating scientist Kevin Potter has led a study of the genetic diversity between and within what researchers have believed to be two varieties of ponderosa pine. Results, which were recently published in the journal Tree Genetics & Genomes, can help managers plan for conservation of existing trees and restoration of lost populations. Read more in CompassLive...
Pictured: Ponderosa pines stand tall in front of Yosemite Falls in California. Photo by Kevin Potter.
