Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 12-21 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 13 This study will delve into the application of GWAS in tree breeding, reviewing its developmental history in tree genetics research, analyzing current achievements and challenges, and prospecting future directions. As global environmental changes and the demand for sustainable forestry increase, integrating traditional breeding techniques with modern molecular biology methods to develop tree species that are more adaptable to environmental changes and more economically valuable is becoming increasingly important. Through this comprehensive overview, not only can scientific researchers gain a comprehensive perspective on tree breeding and GWAS applications, but forestry managers and policymakers can also obtain practical references to promote the development of sustainable forestry and the rational utilization of forest resources. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the potential of GWAS in addressing the protection and sustainable utilization of tree genetic diversity. As the impact of global climate change on forest ecosystems intensifies, developing tree species with stronger resistance to adverse environments has become crucial. The application of GWAS technology provides new avenues for identifying and cultivating these tree species. This not only helps to improve the productivity and economic value of trees but also plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem. The role and potential of GWAS in tree breeding cannot be underestimated. It not only complements traditional breeding methods but also holds significant importance for improving the efficiency and adaptability of tree breeding, protecting genetic diversity, and promoting sustainable forestry development in the new era. With the advancement of science and technology, future tree breeding will continue to progress toward higher efficiency and sustainability based on the integration of traditional experience and modern biotechnology. 2 History and Current Status of Tree Breeding As a science, tree breeding has a long and rich history. From initial selective breeding to modern gene editing, tree breeding has undergone a transformation from experience to science. Over centuries, the core goal of tree breeding has always been to improve the productivity, adaptability, and disease resistance of trees. Nevertheless, with rapid global environmental changes and the increasing human demand, tree breeding is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. 2.1 Review of traditional tree breeding methods The history of tree breeding can be traced back several centuries, when the methods were mainly based on natural selection and human selection. In natural selection, the tree species best adapted to the environment naturally propagated. Human selection, on the other hand, involved the selection of specific traits in trees for breeding, such as selecting trees with fast growth and good wood quality. Although simple, these methods were often limited by the long lifespan of trees and their complex genetic backgrounds. In the early 20th century, with the development of Mendelian genetics principles, tree breeding began to incorporate scientific hybridization experiments, including controlled hybridization to combine the desirable traits of different tree species, such as combining the fast growth of one species with the disease resistance of another (He et al., 2023). Other methods included population selection, grafting, and propagation techniques for tree improvement and breeding. 2.2 Application of modern biotechnology in tree breeding Entering the 21st century, advances in genomics and bioinformatics have provided new perspectives for tree breeding. With the rapid development of molecular biology and genetic engineering technologies, modern biotechnology has become an important tool for tree breeding. Techniques such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), genome editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9), and tissue culture have enabled breeders to manipulate and improve the genetic traits of trees more precisely and efficiently. For example, through MAS, breeders can identify and select individuals carrying beneficial genetic traits at the seedling stage, greatly shortening the breeding cycle (Hasan et al., 2021). Genome editing techniques provide the possibility of precisely modifying target genes at the molecular level, offering new avenues for creating tree species with specific traits.
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