We are modeling species- and population-level growth responses to changes in climate using provenance and common garden tests data to understand forest tree species adaptation to climate.
Two white spruce provenances growing a few feet apart in a provenance test in Quebec
We are modeling species- and population-level growth responses to changes in climate using provenance and common garden tests data. These are experiments in spatial climate change where the climate at which the seed source has originated differs from that of the test site. When populations are tested in several sites, differences in growth responses to changes in climate can be elucidated. These models are providing crucial insights on species adaptation to climate and potential populations' responses to climate change as well as guidelines for seed transfer under an adaptive management context.
Related Publications
Leites, L. and Benito-Garzón, M.. 2023. Forest tree species adaptation to climate across biomes: Building on the legacy of ecological genetics to anticipate responses to climate change. Global Change Biology. doi:10.1111/gcb.16711
Kapoor, B.; Jenkins, J.; Schmutz, J.; Zhebentyayeva, T.; Külheim, C.; Coggeshall, M.; Heim, C.; Lasky, J.; Leites, L.; Faridi, N.; Romero-Severson, J.; DeLeo, V.; Lucas, S.; Lazic, D; Gailling, O.; Carlson, J.; & Staton, M. 2023. A haplotype-resolved chromosome-scale genome for Quercus rubra L. provides insights into the genetics of adaptive traits for red oak species. Genes, Genomes, Genetics.
Leites, L., Pike, C., & Muth, A. 2023. Climate-Smart Seed Sourcing for Resilient Pennsylvania Forests. James C. Finley Center for Private Forests at Penn State Publication, Penn State University, University Park: PA. 16p. [Education & Outreach Publication]
Prasad, A. and L. Leites. 2022. Ecological analysis of intraspecific variability of eastern white pine under climate change by combining provenance and demographic data. Landscape Ecology. 37:109–128. doi: 10.1007/s10980-021-01333-4.
Onofrio, L., Hawley, G. and L. Leites. 2021. Ecological genetics of Juglans nigra: Differences in early growth patterns of natural populations. Ecology and Evolution 11(12): 7399-7410. doi: 10.1002/ece3
Steiner, K, J. Berkebile, L. Graboski, S. Fei, and L. Leites. 2021. Uncertainty in the modeled mortality of two tree species (Fraxinus) under altered climates. Diversity and Distributions 27(8): 1449-1461 doi: 10.1111/ddi.13293
Pike, C., K. Potter, P. Berrang, B. Crane, J. Baggs, L. Leites, T. Luther. 2020. New seed collection zones for the eastern US: the Eastern Seed Zone Forum. Journal of Forestry. 118(4): 444–451.
Leites, L; G. Rehfeldt, K. Steiner. 2019. Adaptation to climate in five eastern North America broadleaf deciduous species: Growth clines and evidence of the growth-cold tolerance trade-off. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. 37:64-72.
Rehfeldt, G., L. Leites, D. Joyce, and A. Weiskittel. 2018. Role of population genetics in guiding ecological responses to climate. Global Change Biology. 24(2):858-868. First published Sept 2017. DOI:10.1111/gcb.13883
Rehfeldt, G.E., B.C. Jaquish, J. López-Uptonc, C. Sáenz-Romerod, J.B. St Claire, L. Leites, and D.G. Joyce. 2014. Comparative Genetic Responses to Climate for the Varieties of Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii: Realized Climate Niches. Forest Ecology and Management. 324: 126-137.
Rehfeldt, G.E, L. Leites, J. B. St Clair, B.C. Jaquish, C. Saenz-Romero, J. Lopez-Upton, D.G. Joyce. 2014. Comparative Genetic Responses to Climate in the Varieties of Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii: Clines in Growth Potential. Forest Ecology and Management. 324: 138-146.
Rehfeldt, G.E., B.C. Jaquish, C. Saenz-Romero, D.G. Joyce, L. Leites, J.B. St Clair, J. Lopez-Upton. 2014. Comparative genetic responses to climate in the varieties of Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii: reforestation. Forest Ecology and Management. 324: 147-157.
Leites, L., G. Rehfeldt, A. Robinson, N. Crookston, B. Jaquish. 2012. Possibilities and limitations of using historic provenance tests to infer forest species growth responses to climate change. Natural Resource Modeling. 25(3): 409-433.
Leites, L., A. Robinson, G. Rehfeldt, J. Marshall, N. Crookston. 2012. Height-growth response to climatic changes differ among populations of Douglas-fir: a novel analysis of historic data. Ecological Applications. 22(1): 154-165.
