Local adaptation of Pinus leiophylla under climate and land use change models in the Avocado Belt of Michoacán

Research identifies the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and surrounding eastern regions of Michoacán's Avocado Belt as critical conservation priorities for Pinus leiophylla, a tree species threatened by climate change and land use conversion. Using landscape genomics, scientists analyzed 3660 SNPs to pinpoint genetic adaptations across 19 localities, revealing that central-eastern areas face heightened vulnerability to climate shifts while western regions suffer from avocado orchard expansion. The study also highlights the potential of assisted gene flow strategies to mitigate these threats and emphasizes maintaining connectivity in forest patches, particularly in eastern zones. This work provides a robust framework for assessing tree population responses to dual anthropogenic pressures.

Izaguirre‐Toriz, V., Aguirre‐Liguori, J. A., Latorre‐Cárdenas, M. C., Arima, E. Y., & González‐Rodríguez, A. (2024). Local adaptation of Pinus leiophylla under climate and land use change models in the Avocado Belt of Michoacán. Molecular Ecology, 33(13). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17424