Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 81-94 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 81 Feature Review Open Access Genome Editing and Functional Verification of Eucalyptus Disease Resistance Genes Chunyang Zhan Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: chunyang.zhan@hibio.org Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0009 Received: 05 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 10 Apr., 2024 Published: 19 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhan, 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: Zhan C.Y., 2024, Genome editing and functional verification of Eucalyptus disease resistance genes, Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 14(2): 81-94 (doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0009) Abstract The rapid advancements in genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, have revolutionized the field of forestry genetics, offering new solutions for enhancing disease resistance inEucalyptus species. This study explores the integration of genome editing with traditional breeding methods, focusing on the identification, functional validation, and application of disease resistance genes in Eucalyptus. Key advancements in sequencing, gene analysis, and bioinformatics tools have facilitated the discovery and manipulation of critical genes involved in pathogen defense. Case studies highlight the successful application of genome-edited Eucalyptus varieties in forestry, showcasing their potential to improve sustainability and productivity. The study also addresses the regulatory, biosafety, and public perception challenges associated with implementing these technologies, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, long-term field trials, and public engagement to fully realize the benefits of genome editing in forestry management and conservation. This research underscores the transformative potential of genome editing in developing resilient Eucalyptus varieties, contributing to the sustainable management of global forest ecosystems. Keywords Genome editing; CRISPR/Cas9; Eucalyptus; Disease resistance; Forestry genetics; Functional genomics 1 Introduction Eucalyptus, a genus of over 700 species of flowering trees and shrubs, plays a pivotal role in global forestry, particularly in regions such as Australia, South America, and Southeast Asiav (Hutapea et al., 2023). Renowned for their rapid growth and adaptability to a range of climates, Eucalyptus species are vital not only for timber production but also as a significant source of bioenergy (Swanepoel et al., 2023). However, the sustainability of Eucalyptus cultivation is threatened by various disease outbreaks, which can severely impact both yield and quality (Mhoswa et al., 2020). Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure the long-term viability of Eucalyptus as a forestry and bioenergy resource (Tomé et al., 2021). Eucalyptus species are widely recognized for their fast growth, high wood density, and ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions. These characteristics make them highly valuable in the forestry industry, where they are extensively used for paper, pulp, and timber production (Candotti et al., 2022). Additionally, Eucalyptus is emerging as a critical resource in the bioenergy sector, given its potential for high biomass yield and its suitability for conversion into renewable energy (Swanepoel et al., 2023). The economic and ecological significance of Eucalyptus underscores the importance of maintaining healthy and productive plantations (Bettaieb and Bouktila, 2020). Despite their robust growth, Eucalyptus species are vulnerable to a range of pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which can lead to devastating disease outbreaks. These diseases not only reduce the growth and productivity of Eucalyptus plantations but also increase the cost of management and threaten the global supply of Eucalyptus-derived products (Santos et al., 2020b). Traditional disease control measures, such as chemical treatments and breeding for resistance, have had limited success, necessitating the exploration of more advanced approaches to enhance disease resistance (Mushtaq et al., 2019).
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