Ecological Genetics

Ecological genetics covers all aspects of genetic variation in populations and species. Specifically, it examines how genetic diversity is spatially distributed, the extent to which populations and species are genetically similar or different, how genetic diversity is passed on between generations and how environmental changes or human activities affect these processes. These questions form the background to the research of the Ecological Genetics group.

One of our focal points is the identification of species and origin of wood and wood products. Here we work on the development and application of methods for identifying the species and geographical origin of tree species. We use genetic differences between species to develop gene markers for species identification. Additionally, we use spatial patterns in genetic variation within a species to identify the provenance of material of unknown origin. With these methods, we cover the genetic part of the Thünen Center of Competence for Wood Origin. In addition to genetic methods, we are also testing the use of stable isotopes in collaboration with the Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture to determine the origin.

We use intergenerational approaches to investigate how genetic diversity is passed on from parents to offspring in forests. The relationships, spatial structures and differences between generations uncovered this way form the basis on which we derive conclusions for the preservation of genetic diversity and to develop strategies for the production of genetically high-quality forest reproductive material. This includes recommendations for approval criteria for seed stands and the establishment of seed orchards.

Studies on the relationship between spatial-genetic patterns and environmental conditions, post-ice age migration routes or human influences provide us with insights into genetic structures relevant to adaptation. We use these to understand the genetic basis of ecologically important traits such as tolerance to drought stress or insect infestation.

In addition to intra-species genetic diversity, species diversity is an important component of all forest ecosystems. In this context, we use genetic methods to analyze the species spectrum of vertebrates or insects, for example to analyze the food spectrum of wolves, to support biodiversity monitoring in forests, and to study other aspects of biodiversity in forest ecosystems.
 

Here we present selected publications that illustrate the spectrum of our current studies, research interests and methods.

Eusemann P, Rees J, Kuhlenkamp V, Lippitsch P, Schumann H (2024): Dietary analysis of wolf (Canis lupus) - a comparison of markers and methods. Conservation Genetics Resources. Link

Liesebach H, Eusemann P, Höltken AM, Tröber U, Kuchma O, Karopka M, Becker F, Kätzel R, Fussi B (2024): Effective population size of adult and offspring cohorts as a genetic monitoring tool in two stand-forming and wind-pollinated tree species: Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. Conservation Genetics. Link

Pakull B, Schneck V, Liesebach H (2024): Clonality in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and implications for seed production. Annals of Forest Science. Link

Bäucker C, Liesebach H, Liesebach M (2023): Das Potential des Spitz-Ahorns besser nutzen: Einblicke in die Pflanzenanzucht für die Anlage von Feldversuchen. Thünen Report. Link

Bertic M, Orgel F, Gschwendtner S, Schloter M, Moritz F, Schmitt-Kopplin P, Zimmer I, Fladung M, Schnitzler JP, Schroeder H, Ghirardo A (2023): European oak metabotypes shape digestion of the herbivore Tortrix viridana. Functional Ecology. Link

Schroeder H, Kersten B (2023): A small set of nuclear markers for reliable differentiation of the two closely related oak species Quercus robur and Q. petraea. Plants. Link

Blanc-Jolivet C, Mader M, Bouda ZH-N, Massot M, Dainou K, Yene G, Opuni-Frimpong E, Degen B (2021): Development of new SNP and INDEL loci for the valuable African timber species Lophira alata. Conservation Genetics Resources. Link

Degen B, Yanbaev YA, Mader M, Ianbaev R, Bakhtina S, Schröder H, Blanc-Jolivet C (2021): Impact of gene flow and introgression on the range wide genetic structure of Quercus robur (L.) in Europe. Forests. Link

Schröder H, Nosenko T, Ghirardo A, Fladung M, Schnitzler JP, Kersten B (2021): Oaks as beacons of hope for threatened mixed forests in Central Europe. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change. Link