Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 391-402 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 399 breeding and hybridization, have long been used to enhance plant traits. By combining these methods with modern genetic techniques, it is possible to achieve synergistic effects that maximize the benefits of both approaches. For example, the use of triploid breeding has shown significant improvements in vegetative growth and secondary metabolite content in E. ulmoides, which can be further enhanced through genetic modification (Li et al., 2016; 2019). Moreover, understanding the genotype × environment interactions and their impact on phenotypic traits can guide the selection of optimal genotypes for specific cultivation areas, thereby improving overall plant performance (Deng et al., 2022). The development of sex-specific markers also facilitates early identification of plant sex, which is crucial for breeding programs aimed at producing high-yielding female plants (Wang et al., 2011). By integrating these advanced genetic techniques with traditional breeding strategies, it is possible to create E. ulmoides plants that are not only high-yielding but also resilient to environmental stresses and diseases, thereby ensuring sustainable production and meeting the increasing demand for this valuable species. 8 Concluding Remarks The potential of genetic modification in enhancing Eucommia ulmoides production is vast and promising. Recent advancements in genomic technologies have provided high-quality genome assemblies for both male and female E. ulmoides, revealing critical insights into the species' genetic makeup and evolutionary history. These genomic resources have identified key genes involved in rubber biosynthesis, sex differentiation, and other vital metabolic pathways, which can be targeted for genetic engineering to improve yield and quality. Additionally, the development of molecular markers, such as the male-specific AFLP and SCAR markers, facilitates early sex identification, significantly enhancing breeding efficiency. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis has further elucidated the genetic basis of growth traits, providing a foundation for the genetic improvement of E. ulmoides. Collectively, these genetic tools and insights could revolutionize the production of E. ulmoides by enabling precise and efficient breeding strategies, ultimately leading to higher yields and better quality of rubber and medicinal compounds. To fully realize the potential of genetic improvement in Eucommia ulmoides production, further research and collaboration in this field must be encouraged. Researchers should focus on functional genomics studies to validate the identified genes and their roles in rubber and chlorogenic acid synthesis. Collaboration between geneticists, biotechnologists, and industry stakeholders is crucial for developing and implementing genetic engineering technologies that enhance beneficial traits in Eucommia ulmoides. Additionally, expanding genetic linkage maps and QTL analysis will provide deeper insights into the genetic architecture of growth and other economically important traits. By promoting multidisciplinary collaboration and leveraging advanced genomic technologies, we can accelerate the genetic improvement of Eucommia ulmoides, ensuring its sustainable production and utilization in various industrial and medical applications. Acknowledgments We would like to sincerely thank Dr Y. Zhu from Peking University for his critically reading and revising suggestion for the manuscript. Funding This research was funded by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [31870285, 30660146, 32160384], Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences Talent Special Project (No.2023-02 and 2024-02), Guizhou Province Science and Technology Foundation- ZK[2024] General 010, National Major Project of Cultivating New Varieties of Genetically Modified Organisms [grant no. 2016ZX08010003- 009], Talent Base for Germplasm Resources Utilization and Innovation of Characteristic Plant in Guizhou (RCJD2018-14). Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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