Ecological adaptations in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca). IV. Montana and Idaho near the Continental Divide

Abstract

Seventy-seven seedling populations of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) sampled from near the Continental Divide in Idaho and Montana exhibited pronounced genetic differences when compared in three common environments. Differentiation involved several traits that are components of an annual developmental cycle that must be completed within a growing season of finite length. Consequently, the elevational and geographic clines of genetic variation tend to parallel variation in the length of the growing season at the seed source. Such clines suggest that maladaptation in artificial reforestation can be controlled by limiting the transfer of seeds.

Citation

Rehfeldt, G. E. 1988. Ecological adaptations in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca). IV. Montana and Idaho near the Continental Divide. Western Journal of Applied Forestry. 3(4): 101-105.