Efficient long-distance gene flow into an isolated relict oak stand

Abstract

Geographically isolated and small populations outside a species' central distribution range are likely to be of major importance to a species' ability to quickly adjust its distribution range to global change dynamics. Gene flow from the outside plays a pivotal role in the fate of these marginal populations. It has been proposed that spatial fragmentation and perceived geographic isolation do not necessarily reflect a loss of genetic connectivity in tree species. However, the spatial limits of long-distance gene flow, as well as its magnitude and impact, are still generally unknown. In the present study, we analyzed long-distance pollen-mediated gene flow into an isolated relict stand consisting of 7 individuals of Quercus robur L. based on a total sample of 177 trees and 9 microsatellite loci. We show that pollen-mediated gene flow across more than 80 km in this wind-pollinated tree species contributed at least 35% of all successful pollinations in the investigated isolated and small oak stand at the eastern limit of the species' distribution. The observed pollen immigration shaped the genetic diversity of acorn progenies in the stand and might explain the comparably high genetic diversity in the persisting adult population.