Guiding Douglas-fir seed selection in Europe under changing climates: bioclimatic envelope model predictions versus growth observed in provenance trials

• Author / Creator

  Isaac-Renton, Miriam G

• Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco) is one of the most ecologically and economically important tree species in both its native range in North America and in its introduced range in Europe. The aim of this research is to inform the European Douglas-fir reforestation strategy under changing climates. This was done by 1) synthesizing results from a wealth of provenance experiments that have never been analyzed in a comprehensive manner, 2) by showing that a bioclimatic envelope model developed for North America was generally capable of predicting the observed provenance performance in diverse planting sites, and 3), using the model to map suitable populations for planting under climate change scenarios. The practical recommendations can be used as a decision-making tool to help European forest professionals target well-suited populations to ensure continued forest health and productivity.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Douglas-fir
  • Climate change
  • Europe
  • Bioclimatic envelope model
  • Provenance trials
  • Species distribution models
  • Pseudotsuga menziesii
  • Model validation

• Graduation date

  Fall 2013

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R39P2WH6P

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.