DaRT-seq raw data of Eucalyptus spp for the genetic assessment of the value of restoration planting within an endangered eucalypt woodland

Assessment of woodland restoration often focusses on stand demographics,
but genetic factors likely influence long-term stand viability. We
examined the genetic composition of Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora)
trees in endangered Box-Gum Grassy Woodland in SE Australia, some 30 years
after planting with seeds of reportedly local provenance. Using DArT
sequencing for 1406 SNPs, we compared genetic diversity and population
structure of planted E. melliodora trees with remnant bushland trees,
paddock trees, and natural recruits. Genetic patterns imply that natural
stands and paddock trees had historically high gene flow (among group
pairwise FST = 0.04–0.10). Genetic diversity was highest among relictual
paddock trees (He = 0.17), while diversity of revegetated trees was
identical to natural bushland trees (He = 0.14). Bayesian clustering
placed the revegetated trees into six genetic groups with four
corresponding to genotypes from paddock trees, indicating that revegetated
stands are mainly of genetically diverse, local provenance. Natural
recruits were largely derived from paddock trees with some contribution
from planted trees. A few trees have likely hybridised with other local
eucalypt species which are unlikely to compromise stand integrity. We show
that paddock trees have high genetic diversity and capture historic
genetic variety and provide important foci for natural recruitment of
genetically diverse and outcrossed seedlings.