Population Genetics of Silver Birch

Silver birch, Betula pendula, is a highly prevalent deciduous tree in
boreal forests across Europe and Asia. We have recently sequenced the
B.pendula genome and used it as a reference for a population genetics
study where 11 sites across Europe and Asia were sampled.

Initial results from shallow sequencing of over 60 individuals suggest
that birch has a negligible population structure, most likely due to
the wide dispersal range of birch pollen. This is in line with
recently reported results in Populus. Local adaptation plays a strong
role in shaping up the birch population. Using a novel approach we
find evidence of selection on plant signaling and physiology which is
linked with the climatal variation.