Elevated Temperature Effects on Germination and Early Growth of European Aspen (Populus Tremula), Hybrid Aspen (P. Tremula× P. Tremuloides) and Their F2-hybrids

This study aimed to understand the interaction between temperature and genotype in terms of the effect on early seedling development of European aspen (Populus tremula) and various F2-aspen hybrids. We evaluated the response of 16 different European aspen and F2-hybrid families on seed germination, survival rate and seedling height in one- and two-family trials under three different temperature regimes. In one-family trials, higher germination and higher survival rates were observed in higher temperature (C1700), leading to taller seedlings. European aspen × hybrid aspen individuals (Asp × Hyb) had a higher survival rate and taller seedlings than Asp, Hyb × Asp or Hyb × Hyb individuals. The difference between Asp × Hyb and Hyb × Asp was pronounced. Both growth conditions and genotype (i.e., hybrid cross) had strong effects on germination, survival rate and height of European aspen and F2-hybrid seedlings. However, the interaction of genotype and growth conditions also had a significant influence on survival rate and seedling height, but not on germination. Two-family trials involving European aspen and F2-hybrids led to significant negative effects on germination and survival rate and also facilitation effects on seedling height. Similarly, genotype had strong effects on germination and survival rate. Different genotypes and traits affected survival rate and seedling height differently in different growth conditions. These differences were more pronounced in the warmest environment, i.e., 1,700 degree days. We conclude that introgression between F2-hybrids and local European aspen is likely in the current climate, and any warming will likely favor certain F2-hybrids, especially the most probable types (P. tremula × (P. tremula × P. tremuloides))