Genotypic differentiation in a heterogeneous dune landscape in Arabidopsis lyrata

The role of fine-scale habitat heterogeneity on within-population genetic divergence is studied in North American Arabidopsis lyrata (Brassicaceae) inhabiting a sand dune landscape. Wos and Willi relate site-of-origin variables of maternal seed families with genotypic trait differentiation and gene expression differences to find traits and genes involved in microhabitat adaptation.

Multivariate analysis reveals significant environment–trait associations, between distance from trees, relative dune position and the potential of interspecific competition, and plant size and reproductive phenology. Expression analysis on those associations point to the importance of genes involved in stress responses and senescence in microhabitat adaptation.