Cedrus atlantica - Possible Alternative Tree Species under Changing Climate Conditions in Central Europe

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible and affect entire ecosystems and their services. Following more frequent dry years and the invasive spread of harmful organisms, interest in drought- and frost-tolerant alternative tree species in forestry practices is growing. The two cedar species, Atlas and Lebanon cedar are discussed as possible alternative tree species in Bavaria and Germany due to their high climate tolerance (drought and frost), wood quality and their potential to be integrated into local forests. Both cedar species can contribute to the stability of weakened spruce and pine forest stands and thus ensuring the supply of conifer stem wood in the long term. As there is hardly any cultivation experience in Bavaria so far, potential alternative tree species should be evaluated through provenance and practical cultivation trials. Particular attention should be paid to the origin of the forest reproductive material (FRM), as this plays a decisive role in adaptability and successful cultivation. The suitability and vitality of seed stands should be evaluated before use. In addition to evaluating the phenotype, it is essential to assess the genetic diversity and differentiation of plantations and populations within their natural distribution range. In this study 467 Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carrière tress from 11 populations were sampled and genotyped based on 15 variable nuclear microsatellite markers. Results showed that the applied markers are able to clearly differentiate between C. atlantica and C. libani. Genetic diversity varies among sampled C. atlantica populations and clear differentiation of C. atlantica from France and Morocco was found. Based on our results, all investigated Atlas cedar populations can be proposed as seed stands and conservation units. Future studies should include the Atlas cedar populations from Algeria.