Adaptability of Rhododendrons in high altitude habitats
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REVIEW ARTICLE
Adaptability of Rhododendrons in high altitude habitats Shruti Choudhary1 · Sapna Thakur1 · Aasim Majeed1 · Pankaj Bhardwaj1
Received: 10 August 2019 / Accepted: 14 October 2019 © Northeast Forestry University 2020
Abstract Tree species dominate many ecosystems throughout the world and their response to climate, in light of global warming, is a matter of primary concern. This review describes past and ongoing research in Rhododendron, an ecologically important and well-adapted genus of more than 1000 species, occupying diverse habitats. Research to date indicates survival ability and mechanisms, with an emphasis on cold tolerance. The capability of longdistance gene flow in these species increases their genetic variability which in turn enhances their adaptability to newer niches as well as to environmental gradients (mainly temperature). Attempts to explain the molecular basis of morphological and behavioural changes in Rhododendron against cold-induced damage has been made. Gradual advances in ‘omics’ have led to an enriched genomic resource dissecting the role and interaction of multiple molecular factors participating in cold adaptability. However, fewer genetic studies are available on species with an inherent or a default cold-tolerance ability. Considering this fact, understanding specific features of an adapted species can provide insights Project funding: The work was supported by the University Grants Commission, India (File No.: BSR-UGC 30-13/2014) and the Department of Science and Technology-Science and the Engineering Research Board, India (File No.: SB\FT\LS182\2012 dated 26.04.2013). The online version is available at http://www.springerlink.com Corresponding editor: Tao Xu. * Pankaj Bhardwaj [email protected]; [email protected] 1
Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Plant Sciences, Central University of Punjab, City Campus, Mansa Road, Bathinda 151001, India
on overriding the effects of desiccation and determining phase transitions in other plants as well. We propose to integrate ecological and evolutionary studies with functional genomics to improve predictions of tree responses to their environment. Keywords Rhododendron · Adaptation · Frost · Growth · Geographical distribution
Introduction Rhododendron L. is a complex genus and the largest of the Ericaceae family with over 1000 species distributed worldwide and categorized into five subgenera and several sections. Some 90% species are Asian in origin and extend through the Malay Archipelago islands. East Asia is presumed as the origin of the genus with the Himalayas (1200–3700 m a.s.l.) as one of the diversification centers. In the context of growth initiation, this area is a transition between temperate and tropical climates and actively supports local adaptation and ecosystem (Bhattarai and Vetaas 2003). Vireya (Blume) H. F. Copel., one of the oldest section of Rhododendron, might have drifted north in the Cretaceous period or a younger group dispersed eastwards from India to Australia and the Sol
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