The genetic structure of a wild wheat population has remained associated with microhabitats over 36 years

Abstract

Wild progenitors of major crops can help us understand domestication, and may also provide the genetic resources needed for ensuring food security in the face of climate change. We examined the genetic structure of a wild emmer wheat population, sampled over 36 years while both temperature and CO₂ concentration increased significantly. The genotypes of 832 individuals revealed high genetic diversity over scales of tens of meters and were clustered spatially into ecological microhabitats. This pattern was remarkably stable over time. Simulations indicate that neutral processes alone are unlikely to fully explain the spatial and temporal stability of the population. These results are consistent with a role for local adaptation in shaping the fine-scale structure of plant populations, which is relevant for in-situ conservation strategies of biodiversity in nature.