Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 144-154 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 144 Feature Review Open Access Precise Editing and Functional Verification of Pine Disease Resistance Genes Yali Deng, Meifang Li Tropical Medicinal Plant Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: meifang.li@hitar.org Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0015 Received: 25 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 27 May., 2024 Published: 29 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Deng and Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Deng Y.L., and Li M.F., 2024, Precise editing and functional verification of pine disease resistance genes, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(3): 144-154 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0015) Abstract The primary goal of this study is to explore the precise editing and functional verification of disease resistance genes in pine species, with a focus on leveraging advanced genome editing technologies to enhance disease resistance. Recent advancements in genome editing, particularly the CRISPR/Cas9 system, have enabled precise modifications of disease resistance genes in various plant species, including pines. Studies have demonstrated the successful identification and mapping of resistance genes, such as Cr1 in sugar pine and Cr3 in southwestern white pine, which are crucial for combating diseases like white pine blister rust. Additionally, the use of high-density genetic maps and SNP markers has facilitated the understanding of the genomic architecture underlying disease resistance, revealing the evolutionary pressures and potential for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. The application of genome editing has also shown promise in creating de novo functional alleles to drive resistance without compromising plant physiology. The integration of genome editing technologies in pine breeding programs holds significant potential for developing disease-resistant varieties. These advancements not only enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of disease resistance but also provide practical tools for breeding and conservation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of continued research and application of genome editing to ensure sustainable forest management and resilience against pathogens. Keywords Genome editing; CRISPR/Cas9; Disease resistance; Pine species; Genetic mapping; SNP markers; White pine blister rust; Marker-assisted selection 1 Introduction Pine species, such as limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), are keystone species in their respective ecosystems, playing crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. However, these species face significant threats from various pathogens, including the non-native white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) and fusiform rust disease (Wilcox et al., 1996; Liu et al., 2019). The introduction of these pathogens has led to high infection rates and mortality, severely impacting pine populations and forest health (Liu et al., 2019; Wright et al., 2022). Understanding and enhancing disease resistance in pines is therefore of paramount importance for forest conservation and management. Despite advances in genetic mapping and molecular biology, managing disease resistance in pines remains challenging. Traditional genetic analysis has often failed to identify discrete resistance factors, leading to the assumption that effective long-term resistance is polygenic. However, recent studies have shown that single dominant genes can confer significant resistance, challenging previous assumptions (Wilcox et al., 1996). Additionally, the complexity of forest pathosystems and the long generation times of trees complicate breeding programs and the development of resistant strains (Sun et al., 2023). The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and the integration of genomic tools have provided new insights, but the practical application of these findings in breeding programs is still in its early stages (Sniezko et al., 2014; Weiss et al., 2020). This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on disease resistance in pines, focusing on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to major pathogens such as white pine blister rust and fusiform rust. By synthesizing findings from recent studies, this study will highlight the progress made in identifying resistance genes and the potential for genomic tools to enhance breeding programs. The expectation is to offer insights into the practical applications of these findings in forest management and conservation, ultimately contributing to the development of more resilient pine populations.
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