Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 132-143 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 140 resistance (BS-QDR) loci in rice and other plants further underscores the potential for similar discoveries in conifers, which could lead to improved disease resistance and overall conifer health. This body of research has significantly advanced the field of tree genetics by providing comprehensive genomic resources and practical tools for breeding and genetic conservation programs. The construction of high-density genetic maps and the identification of orthologous loci for resistance to rust pathogens in limber pine, for instance, offer valuable insights into the evolutionary pressures acting on these genes. The development of resistance gene atlases and chromosome-scale genome sequences in other plant species further illustrates the utility of these genomic resources for breeders and geneticists. These contributions not only enhance our understanding of disease resistance mechanisms but also facilitate the application of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and the characterization of functional genes underlying complex traits in conifers and other tree species. Future research should focus on the functional validation of identified resistance genes and the exploration of their roles in conifer disease resistance. This includes the genetic dissection of disease QTL confidence intervals to reduce the number of positional candidate genes for further functional analysis. Additionally, integrating genomic approaches with traditional breeding methods could accelerate the development of disease-resistant conifer varieties. Policymakers should support the establishment of genomic databases and the standardization of analytical pipelines to ensure the clinical relevance of genomic data for disease resistance prediction and management. Collaborative efforts between researchers, breeders, and policymakers will be crucial in leveraging these genomic resources to enhance conifer health and resilience against emerging pathogens. Acknowledgments The author extend sincere thanks to two anonymous peer reviewers for their invaluable feedback on the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Reference Andolfo G., Sanseverino W., Aversano R., Frusciante L., and Ercolano M., 2013, Genome-wide identification and analysis of candidate genes for disease resistance in tomato, Molecular Breeding, 33: 227-233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-013-9928-7 Baker E., Wegrzyn J., Sezen U., Falk T., Maloney P., Vogler D., Delfino-Mix A., Jensen C., Mitton J., Wright J., Knaus B., Rai H., Cronn R., Gonzalez-Ibeas D., Vasquez-Gross H., Famula R., Liu J., Kueppers L., and Neale D., 2018, Comparative transcriptomics among four white pine species, G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, 8: 1461-1474. https://doi.org/10.1534/g3.118.200257 PMid:29559535 PMCid:PMC5940140 Bonello P., Gordon T., Herms D., Wood D., and Erbilgin N., 2006, Nature and ecological implications of pathogen-induced systemic resistance in conifers: a novel hypothesis, Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 68: 95-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmpp.2006.12.002 Borrelli V., Brambilla V., Rogowsky P., Marocco A., and Lanubile A., 2018, The enhancement of plant disease resistance using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, Frontiers in Plant Science, 9: 1245. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.01245 PMid:30197654 PMCid:PMC6117396 Díaz-Sala C., and Cervera T., 2011, Promoting a functional and comparative understanding of the conifer genome- implementing applied aspects for more productive and adapted forests (ProCoGen), BMC Proceedings, 5: P158. https://doi.org/10.1186/1753-6561-5-S7-P158 PMCid:PMC3240006 Elfstrand M., Baison J., Lundén K., Zhou L., Vos I., Capador H., Åslund M., Chen Z., Chaudhary R., Olson Å., Wu H., Karlsson B., Stenlid J., and García‐Gil M., 2020, Association genetics identifies a specifically regulated Norway spruce laccase gene, PaLAC5, linked to Heterobasidion parviporum- resistance, Plant, Cell & Environment, 43(7): 1779-1791. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.13768
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