Detection of introgresed loci from Pinus parviflora var. pentaphylla into P. pumila and their possible roles in adaptation to a warming climate

Abstract

Interspecific introgression can contribute to a rapid adaptation of species in response to environmental shifts, particularly those driven by climate changes. We investigated genome-wide introgression patterns between Pinus pumila, which thrives in colder climates, and Pinus parviflora var. pentaphylla, which grows in relatively warmer environments. Using data from 65 individuals comprising 11,674 SNP loci, we conducted F_ST and introgression pattern analysis, and identified P. parviflora-like genetic loci potentially introgressed into Pinus pumila and hybrids. Literature search reveal that these loci encode enzymes and proteins that are associated with plant growth, structural support, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. These findings suggest that P. pumila and hybrids may be enhancing its adaptive capacity to environmental changes through introgression from P. parviflora var. pentaphylla. This research provides novel insights into the adaptation strategies of alpine plants in the context of global warming, with potential implications for evolutionary and conservation biology.