Entire regions of trees are disappearing because of invasive pests, disease and a changing climate. The key to their ability to adapt to varied growing conditions and, ultimately, their survival, may reside in the complex genetic makeup of replacement trees, according to forest geneticists tasked with reintroducing tree species.

A study of one of the rarest pine trees in the world, Torrey pine, conducted by a team including Penn State scientists, has yielded what the researchers called valuable insight into the value of genetic diversity and the importance of ensuring locally adapted diversity is maintained for restoration.

Critically endangered Torrey pine persists naturally across only one island and one coastal mainland population in southern California.