Anthocyanin and Tannin Contents in High Elevation Conifers, Pinus cembra and Larix decidua

Growth conditions, which are very extreme at the timber line in high mountains, include significant factors like radiation and temperature variation. Temperature is believed to determine species distribution patterns there. Anthocyanins and tannins may play a decisive role in that context. Conifers which are located in the Alps also have to be robust against UV radiation. As climate warming is a very concerning topic nowadays, the understanding of the adaptation of high elevation species to climate changes, including changes in the irradiation regime, becomes more interesting. The tree species Pinus cembra (Swiss stone pine) and Larix decidua (European larch) are good study systems in this respect, as both occur in high elevation forests, but are also present in low elevation populations (Larix decidua) or have closely related species with lowland characteristics (Pinus sibirica, Larix sibirica). The role of anthocyanins is not very clear in relation to conifers. Several studies were focusing on the different types of anthocyanins and their presence. It was found (Santamour 1966) that cyanidin-3-glucoside is the most common anthocyanin in conelets of different conifer species, and in soje of them delphidin-3-glucoside is present as well. The aim of the project is therefore to analyze and compare variation in secondary metabolites like anthocyanins and tannins of high alpine conifer trees in relation to the ecological conditions in their distribution ranges, and look for any genetic basis of adaptation in anthocyanin/tannin biosynthesis genes and their gene networks.