Low but significant evolutionary potential for growth, phenology and reproduction traits in European beech

Local survival of forest tree populations under climate change depends on existing genetic variation and their adaptability to changing environments. Responses to selection were studied in European beech (Fagus sylvatica) under field conditions. A total of 1,087 adult trees, seeds, one-year-old seedlings, and established multiyear saplings were genotyped with 16 nuSSRs. Adult trees were assessed for phenotypic traits related to growth, phenology and reproduction. Parentage and paternity analyses were used to estimate effective female and male fecundity as a proxy of fitness and showed that few parents contributed to successful regeneration. Selection gradients were estimated from the relationship between traits and fecundity, while heritability and evolvability were estimated using mixed models and the breeder’s equation. Larger trees bearing more fruit and early male flowering had higher total fecundity, while trees with longer growth season had lower total fecundity (directional selec..., , , # Low but significant evolutionary potential for growth, phenology and reproduction traits in European beech

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.x0k6djhrn](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.x0k6djhrn)

Phenotypic and genotypic data used in the paper Low but significant evolutionary potential for growth, phenology and reproduction traits in European beech.

## Description of the data and file structure

Data is provided in two separate files, phenotypic and genotypic data.

Phenotypic data consists of 16 traits recorded for 251 adult Fagus sylvatica trees growing in a single location. The data file contains 17 columns:

1. ID: sample identification number (same as sample in the genotype data file for adult trees, can be connected to a single tree coordinate through the genotype data file)
2. DBH-2018: Diameter at 1.30 m (cm) measured in 2018
3. GL-2018: Length of the growing season (days) in 2018
4. GL-2019: Length of the growing season (days) in 2019
5. LBB-2018: Length of budburst (GDD5, i.e....