Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 144-154 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 152 10 Concluding Remarks Recent research has significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in poplar species. Various genes have been identified and functionally characterized for their roles in enhancing salt tolerance. For instance, the PeERF1 gene fromPopulus euphratica has been shown to improve salt tolerance when overexpressed in transgenic Populus alba × Populus glandulosa. Similarly, the NAC13 gene has been demonstrated to enhance salt tolerance in transgenic poplar through overexpression, while its suppression leads to increased salt sensitivity. The PtGSTF1 gene has been found to improve both biomass production and salt tolerance by regulating xylem cell proliferation, ion homeostasis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Additionally, the PeSTZ1 transcription factor has been shown to confer salt stress tolerance by regulating the expression of PeZAT12 and PeAPX2, which are involved in ROS scavenging. Other notable genes include ERF38, which enhances salt and osmotic tolerance, and PalERF109, which regulates salt tolerance via the PalHKT1;2 transporter. These findings collectively highlight the diverse genetic strategies employed by poplar species to cope with salt stress. The research on salt tolerance genes in poplar has made substantial contributions to forestry science and genetic technology. By identifying and characterizing key genes involved in salt stress responses, these studies provide valuable genetic resources for breeding salt-tolerant poplar varieties. For example, the overexpression of PtGSTF1 not only enhances salt tolerance but also improves biomass production, making it a promising candidate for genetic improvement programs aimed at increasing both stress resilience and growth performance. The functional verification of genes such as NAC13 and PeERF1 in transgenic poplar lines demonstrates the practical applicability of these findings in developing stress-tolerant forestry species. Moreover, the elucidation of regulatory networks, such as the PeSTZ1-PeZAT12-PeAPX2 pathway, offers insights into the complex molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses, paving the way for more targeted genetic interventions. These advancements contribute to the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and the development of resilient tree species capable of thriving in saline environments. Future research should focus on several key areas to further enhance the understanding and application of salt tolerance genes in poplar. First, comprehensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptome analyses should be conducted to identify additional candidate genes and regulatory elements involved in salt stress responses. Second, the functional roles of these genes should be validated in diverse poplar species and under various environmental conditions to ensure their broad applicability. Third, the development of advanced genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, could facilitate precise editing of salt tolerance genes, enabling the creation of highly resilient poplar varieties. Additionally, field trials should be conducted to evaluate the performance of transgenic poplar lines in real-world agroforestry settings, assessing their growth, survival, and ecological impact under saline conditions. Finally, interdisciplinary collaborations between geneticists, ecologists, and forestry practitioners are essential to translate these genetic advancements into practical solutions for sustainable forestry and agroforestry management. Acknowledgments We appreciate the feedback from two anonymous peer reviewers on the manuscript of this study. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Reference Chan Y., Lu Y., Wu J., Zhang C., Tan H., Bian Z., Wang N., and Feng Y., 2022, CRISPR-Cas9 library screening approach for anti-cancer drug discovery: overview and perspectives, Theranostics, 12: 3329-3344. https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.71144 PMid:35547744 PMCid:PMC9065202
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