Data from: Genetic variation in growth and leaf traits associated with local adaptation to climate in yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton)
Data files
Apr 23, 2024 version files 13.60 KB
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Biomass_LeafMorphology_40Seedlings.csv
8.39 KB
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Height_Diameter_200Seedlings.csv
3.26 KB
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README.md
1.94 KB
Abstract
Understanding patterns of variation in functional traits of hardwood trees is crucial for conserving and managing North American temperate forests under climate change. This study examined provenance variation of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) in growth, biomass allocation, leaf morphology, and stable carbon isotope composition. Trees were grown from ten seed sources originating from across Canada and the northern USA. Height and diameter were not significantly related to climate at seed origin, suggesting that variation may be better explained by site factors, such as soil pH and soil moisture. In contrast, carbon isotope composition and leaf morphological traits were significantly correlated to climate variables including temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation. Provenances from warmer, drier localities tended to have higher stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C), greater specific leaf area, and narrower leaf width than their counterparts from cooler, wetter climates. Thus, variation in leaf morphological traits appears to be involved in adaptation of yellow birch to variation in temperature and moisture availability across the species' range. Our results suggest that there may exist potential for selection and breeding of drought resistant yellow birch genotypes to aid in reforestation under climate change.
README: Data from: Genetic variation in growth and leaf traits associated with local adaptation to climate in yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton)
The dataset contains raw data for measurements of functional traits of yellow birch seedlings measured in a greenhouse common garden experiment. Measured traits pertain to growth, biomass allocation, carbon isotope composition, and leaf morphology.
Description of the data and file structure
The file 'Height_Diameter_200Seedlings.csv' contains raw measurements of total height (cm) and root collar diameter (cm) of all seedlings (n=200) in the common garden trial at two years of age
The file 'Biomass_LeafMorphology_40Seedlings.csv' contains raw measurements of one seedling per provenance per block (n=40) of 26 traits including:
- leaf weight (g)
- branch weight (g)
- stem weight (g)
- root weight (g)
- aboveground biomass (g)
- total seedling weight (g)
- ratio of leaf:total weight
- ratio of branch:total weight
- ratio of stem:total weight
- ratio of root:total weight
- ratio of root:shoot weight
- stable carbon isotope composition (delta13C)
- total leaf area (cm)
- blade perimeter (cm)
- leaf vertical length (cm)
- Average horizontal leaf width (cm)
- Aspect ratio = ratio of leaf horizontal width (cm) to vertical length (cm)
- Form coefficient = a numerical value which grade the leaf shape between circular (shortest perimeter for a given area) and filliform (longest perimeter for a given area).
- BladeLength (cm)
- Maximum perpendicular leaf width (cm)
- Leaf width at 50% of leaf blade height, PerpWidth1 (cm)
- Leaf width at 90% of leaf blade height, PerpWidth2 (cm)
- Leaf lobe angle at 10% of leaf blade height, LobeAngle1 (degrees)
- Leaf lobe angle at 25% of leaf blade height, LobeAngle2 (degrees)
- Petiole length (cm)
- Specific leaf area (SLA) = ratio of total leaf area (cm2) to leaf dry mass (g)