UBC research reveals genetic patterns in trees for climate adaptation

By Anna Dimoff

Researchers from UBC have helped discover a pattern of genes in two coniferous trees that help them to rapidly adapt to changing climates. Sally Aitken, professor of Forest and Conservation Sciences at UBC, co-authored the study that found the same set of 47 genes in the lodgepole pine and interior spruce that allowed each species to adapt to colder, or warmer, climates. The goal of the team’s research was to understand the genetic differences in trees that are better adapted to certain temperatures and then put that information to work to improve reforestation efforts.

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