Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 97-107 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 104 8.2 Potential for new discoveries inEucalyptus genome studies The comprehensive genomic analysis of Eucalyptus species has opened new avenues for discovering genes involved in asexual reproduction and other critical traits. For instance, transcriptome analysis has identified numerous differentially expressed genes during the somatic embryogenesis of Eucalyptus, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of dedifferentiation and embryogenesis (Xiao et al., 2020). Furthermore, studies on citrus have demonstrated the potential for identifying genetic loci responsible for asexual reproduction, which could be applied to Eucalyptus to improve vegetative propagation methods (Wang et al., 2017). These findings suggest that continued genomic studies will likely uncover new genes and pathways that can be targeted for genetic improvement. 8.3 Collaborative research initiatives and funding opportunities To fully realize the potential of genetic research in Eucalyptus, collaborative research initiatives and funding opportunities are essential. International collaborations can facilitate the sharing of resources, expertise, and data, thereby accelerating the pace of discovery and application. Funding from governmental and private organizations can support large-scale genomic projects, such as the sequencing of diverse Eucalyptus species and the development of advanced breeding techniques. By fostering a collaborative research environment and securing adequate funding, the scientific community can drive significant advancements in Eucalyptus genetic research, ultimately benefiting forestry and agricultural industries worldwide. 9 Concluding Remarks Transcriptome analysis revealed a substantial number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between differentiated and dedifferentiated tissues in Eucalyptus species with varying embryogenetic potentials. Specifically, 9 229 and 8 989 DEGs were identified in E. camaldulensis and E. grandis × urophylla, respectively, with a notable number of genes involved in key regulatory pathways such as somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase, ethylene, auxin, and various transcription factors. Additionally, the study highlighted the role of protein domain evolution and tandem duplication in the diversification and specialization of reproductive functions in Eucalyptus, further emphasizing the genetic complexity and adaptability of this genus. This study has advanced researchers’ understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying asexual reproduction in Eucalyptus, particularly through somatic embryogenesis (SE). By elucidating the molecular mechanisms of somatic embryogenesis in Eucalyptus, this research provides a valuable resource for future genetic studies and breeding programs aimed at improving vegetative propagation techniques. The identification of stable reference genes for gene expression normalization across different Eucalyptus species and tissues enhances the accuracy and reliability of gene expression studies, facilitating more precise functional genomics research. Furthermore, understanding the evolutionary dynamics of protein domains in Eucalyptus offers insights into the adaptive strategies of this genus, which can inform conservation and management practices in forestry. The findings from this study contribute significantly to both plant genetic and forestry sciences. Future research should focus on further characterizing the specific roles of the identified DEGs in the somatic embryogenesis process. Functional validation studies, such as gene knockouts or overexpression experiments, could provide deeper insights into the regulatory networks governing asexual reproduction in Eucalyptus. Additionally, expanding the transcriptome analysis to include more Eucalyptus species with varying degrees of embryogenetic potential could uncover broader genetic patterns and enhance the generalizability of the findings. From a practical standpoint, the development of molecular markers based on the identified DEGs could improve the selection and breeding of Eucalyptus varieties with superior asexual reproduction capabilities. Moreover, the application of the stable reference genes identified in this study can enhance the precision of gene expression studies in Eucalyptus, leading to more effective genetic engineering and biotechnological interventions aimed at improving growth, stress resistance, and overall productivity in forestry.
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