Plantago ovata var. fastigiata landscape genomics using RAD-Seq

Anthropogenic climate change poses a challenge for ecological restoration, potentially reducing fitness of even locally sourced seeds. Predictive restoration strategies that apply seeds with favorable adaptations to future climate may promote long-term resilience. Landscape genomics and landscape modelling were applied to assess spatial patterns in local adaptation of a desert annual in order to identify potentially future-adapted genotypes for use in habitat restoration efforts, as well as to assess the importance of using locally-sourced seed in restoration efforts. Using RAD-Seq, we genotyped 760 individuals of Plantago ovata var. fastigiata from 64 Mojave Desert populations across a range of environmental attributes. Genome scans were used to identify potentially adaptive SNPs related to climate and satellite vegetation metrics. Results were used to identify best seed sources for restoration in the present and under future climate conditions, and to derive climate-based seed transfer zones, as well as projecting each zone into its relative position in future climate.