Data from: Adaptive variation for growth and resistance to a novel pathogen along climatic gradients in a foundation tree

Natural ecosystems are under pressure from increasing abiotic and biotic
stressors, including climate change and novel pathogens, which are putting
species at risk of local extinction, and altering community structure,
composition, and function. Here, we aim to assess adaptive variation in
growth and fungal disease resistance within a foundation tree, Corymbia
calophylla to determine local adaptation, trait heritability, and genetic
constraints in adapting to future environments. Two experimental planting
sites were established in regions of contrasting rainfall with seed
families from 18 populations capturing a wide range of climate origins
(~4000 individuals at each site). Every individual was measured in 2015
and 2016 for growth (height, basal diameter) and disease resistance to a
recently introduced leaf blight pathogen (Quambalaria pitereka).
Narrow-sense heritability was estimated along with trait covariation.
Trait variation was regressed against climate-of-origin and multivariate
models were used to develop predictive maps of growth and disease
resistance. Growth and blight resistance traits differed significantly
among populations, and these differences were consistent between
experimental sites and sampling years. Growth and blight resistance were
heritable, and comparisons between trait differentiation (QST) and genetic
differentiation (FST) revealed that population differences in height and
blight resistance traits are due to divergent natural selection. Traits
were significantly correlated with climate-of-origin, with cool and wet
populations showing the highest levels of growth and blight resistance.
These results provide evidence that plants have adaptive growth strategies
and pathogen defense strategies. Indeed, the presence of standing genetic
variation and trait heritability of growth and blight resistance provide
capacity to respond to novel, external pressures. The integration of
genetic variation into adaptive management strategies, such as assisted
gene migration and seed sourcing, may be used to provide greater
resilience for natural ecosystems to both biotic and abiotic stressors.