Admixture and selection patterns across the European distribution of Scots pine, <i>Pinus sylvestris</i> (Pinaceae)

Abstract We analysed data on nucleotide polymorphism at 78 nuclear genes to search for signatures of divergence and selection in populations from across the distribution Pinus sylvestris Europe. Data variation a large set maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA markers were also analysed. Most loci showed homogeneous patterns Spain, Central Europe, Nordic countries Scotland. Mitochondrial did not reveal strong population structure but suggested admixture samples carrying different lineages certain parts distribution. At loci, we found high polymorphism, generally low differentiation weak signals isolation by distance. Together with results, these seem most likely be associated process colonization multiple sources efficient gene flow. The results are line demographic inference indicating establishment European before Last Glacial Maximum fronts mainland Europe Scottish populations. Coalescent outlier detection methods identified several showing molecular especially response temperature ecologically phenotypically divergent study provides analysis genetic diversity P. sylvestris, including candidate that implicated local adaptation divergence.