Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 317-327 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 317 Review and Progress Open Access Genome Editing Improvement Study of Eucalyptus Wood Quality Traits Wenfang Wang Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: wenfang.wang@jicat.org Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0030 Received: 22 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 23 Oct., 2024 Published: 31 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang, 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: Wang W.F., 2024, Genome editing improvement study of Eucalyptus wood quality traits, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(5): 317-327 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0030) Abstract This study aims to evaluate the potential of genome editing technologies in improving wood quality traits of Eucalyptus, focusing on the current advancements of tools such as CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, and prime editing, and their application in Eucalyptus breeding programs. Significant progress has been identified in modifying lignin content and composition, enhancing cellulose content and fiber quality, and optimizing wood density and pulp yield using genome editing technologies. The results demonstrate the successful application of CRISPR/Cas9 targeting lignin biosynthesis genes, precise genetic modifications using base and prime editing, and the development of genomic selection models for predicting wood traits in Eucalyptus. Case studies highlight integrative approaches to simultaneously improve growth and wood quality traits, the use of regional heritability mapping to identify stable QTLs, and the implementation of genomic selection in breeding programs. The findings emphasize the transformative potential of genome editing in Eucalyptus, providing a pathway for efficient and sustainable improvement of wood quality traits. Integrating genome editing with traditional breeding methods and omics technologies can accelerate the development of superior Eucalyptus varieties. Future research should focus on advancing genome editing tools, conducting extensive field trials, and addressing ethical and regulatory issues to fully realize the potential benefits of these technologies. Keywords Eucalyptus; Genome editing; CRISPR/Cas9; Wood quality traits; Genomic selection; QTL mapping 1 Introduction Eucalyptus species are among the most widely planted hardwoods globally, renowned for their rapid growth, adaptability, and valuable wood properties. These trees are pivotal in the timber, pulp, and bioenergy industries, providing a renewable resource of fiber and energy. Eucalyptus grandis, for instance, has been extensively studied and sequenced, revealing a genome rich in genes for specialized metabolites and chemical defenses, which contribute to its economic value (Myburg et al., 2014). The adaptability and growth of Eucalyptus make it a crucial species for plantation forestry, reducing pressure on native forests and supporting biodiversity (Wang et al., 2021). Traditional breeding methods for improving wood quality traits in Eucalyptus face significant limitations due to the species' genetic complexity and long breeding cycles (Thumma et al., 2010). Conventional breeding is slow and costly, often failing to capture the full heritability of complex traits such as wood density, lignin content, and pulp yield (Resende et al., 2012; Ballesta et al., 2019). The heterozygosity of Eucalyptus species further complicates germplasm improvement through crossbreeding (Wang et al., 2021). As a result, there is a pressing need for advanced genomic tools to enhance breeding efficiency and accuracy. Genomic selection (GS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown promise in capturing the 'missing heritability' of these traits, providing a new perspective on quantitative trait variation and offering revolutionary tools for applied tree improvement (Resende et al., 2012; Ballesta et al., 2019). Genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, have emerged as powerful tools for precise genetic modifications in plants. CRISPR/Cas9 allows for targeted alterations in the genome, enabling the improvement of specific traits with high accuracy. This technology has been successfully applied in Eucalyptus to enhance wood quality and increase plantation productivity. For instance, a fluorescence labeling method using CRISPR/Cas9 has been developed to obtain positive transformed progenies, facilitating the efficient genetic transformation of Eucalyptus (Wang et al., 2021). The application of genome editing in Eucalyptus breeding programs holds significant potential for accelerating the development of superior germplasm with desirable wood quality traits (Plasencia et al., 2016; Ballesta et al., 2018).
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