Evolution of Scots pine forests since the last glacial maximum
Main PI:M Rosario García Gil, Dept. Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU
Co-PI: Nathaniel Street, Dept. Plant Physiology, Umeå University; Dr. Ivanka Hristova, Environmental Archaeology Lab, Umeå University
This project combines genetics, genomics, ancient DNA, history, and archaeobotany to uncover how centuries of exploitation and management have shaped the genetic diversity and origins of Swedish pine forests. It is the first attempt to trace pine genetic history since the LGM, moving beyond conclusions based solely on modern forests. The findings aim to guide future forest management to preserve genetic integrity and ecosystem services.
Objectives
1. Evaluate changes in genetic diversity (e.g., heterozygosity, rare allele frequency, inbreeding, and population structure) across time using SNP genotyping and microsatellite data.
2. Develop a novel multi-disciplinary approach combining genetics, genomics, ancient DNA analysis, history, and archaeobotany.
3. Assess the impact of historical forest exploitation and management.
About the PIs and their synergies
The project brings together a uniquely qualified team of PIs whose complementary expertise creates a strong foundation for interdisciplinary research. Senior Lecturer M Rosario García-Gil (SLU) contributes extensive experience in forest genetics, ancient DNA extraction, and genomic analysis; Dr. Ivanka Hristova (Umeå University) adds expertise in environmental archaeology and archaeobotany, vital for interpreting subfossil wood in historical contexts; and Professor Nathanial Street (Umeå University) brings deep knowledge in plant genomics and bioinformatics for high-throughput data analysis Their combined strengths in genetics, genomics, archaeology, and forest ecology enable an integrated approach to reconstructing the long-term genetic trajectory of Swedish Scots pine forests and assessing the impact of historical exploitation and management, ensuring the project’s scientific depth and transdisciplinary relevance.
