Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 97-107 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 102 6.2 Implications for biodiversity conservation and forestry practices Understanding the genetic basis of key traits in Eucalyptus has profound implications for biodiversity conservation and sustainable forestry practices. The identification of genes associated with growth traits through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) enables the selection of genotypes that are better adapted to specific environmental conditions (Müller et al., 2018). This can enhance the resilience of Eucalyptus plantations to climate change and other environmental stresses. Furthermore, characterizing the adaptive genetic diversity in Eucalyptus populations helps in the conservation of genetic resources, ensuring the preservation of valuable alleles that contribute to the species’ adaptability and survival (Dillon et al., 2014). Integrating genomic tools into breeding programs can also reduce the pressure on natural forests by increasing the productivity and sustainability of plantation forests (Grattapaglia, 2004; Grattapaglia and Kirst, 2008). 6.3 Future strategies for sustainable Eucalyptus cultivation Future strategies for sustainable Eucalyptus cultivation will benefit from the integration of genomic information into breeding programs. The development of high-throughput genomic technologies allows for the detailed investigation of genes and their allelic variants that influence important traits such as wood properties, growth performance, and stress resistance (Grattapaglia, 2004; Gion et al., 2011). By linking phenotypes to specific genetic markers, breeders can make more informed decisions, leading to the development of superior Eucalyptus varieties with enhanced economic and ecological value. Additionally, the use of novel reference genes for gene expression normalization in Eucalyptus species ensures accurate and reliable expression profiling, which is crucial for functional genomics studies (Oliveira et al., 2011). These advancements will facilitate the implementation of precision breeding techniques, ultimately contributing to the sustainable management and conservation of Eucalyptus resources. 7 Integrating Genomic Data with Practical Forestry 7.1 From lab to field: applying genetic discoveries The transition from laboratory genetic discoveries to practical forestry applications is a critical step in enhancing the productivity and sustainability of Eucalyptus plantations. Recent advancements in genomic technologies have provided unprecedented insights into the genetic basis of key traits such as growth, wood quality, and disease resistance. For instance, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified significant genetic markers associated with growth traits in Eucalyptus, which can be utilized in breeding programs to select for superior genotypes (Müller et al., 2018). Additionally, the development of efficient transformation systems, such as the Eucalyptus hairy roots protocol, allows for the functional characterization of candidate genes involved in wood formation, thereby accelerating the application of genetic discoveries in the field (Plasencia et al., 2016). 7.2 Role of genomics in forestry management Genomics plays a pivotal role in modern forestry management by enabling the precise selection and breeding of Eucalyptus trees with desirable traits. Genomic selection (GS) has emerged as a powerful tool to capture the ‘missing heritability’ of complex traits, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of breeding programs (Resende et al., 2012). The integration of genomic data into traditional breeding practices allows for the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and the development of marker-assisted selection strategies, which can significantly enhance the genetic gains in Eucalyptus breeding (Grattapaglia and Kirst, 2008). Furthermore, the availability of comprehensive genomic resources, such as the EUCAWOOD dataset, provides valuable information on genes involved in wood formation, facilitating targeted breeding for improved wood properties (Rengel et al., 2009). 7.3 Case examples of genomic applications in forestry Several case studies highlight the successful application of genomic data in Eucalyptus forestry. One notable example is the development of a high-density SNP chip for Eucalyptus, which enables genome-wide association studies and genomic selection across multiple species (Silva-Junior et al., 2015). This tool has been instrumental in identifying genetic variants associated with important traits, thereby informing breeding decisions and improving the genetic quality of Eucalyptus plantations. Another example is the use of the eCALIBRATOR tool to
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