Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 106-118 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 111 length and root tissue density have been linked to variations in soil microbial biomass and community composition, which in turn affect nutrient cycling and plant growth (Wan et al., 2021). The interactions between root morphology, root exudation, and mycorrhizal symbioses are essential for a holistic understanding of soil nutrient acquisition strategies (Wen et al., 2021). Figure 2 The mechanism of root exudation (Adapted from Ma et al., 2022) Image caption: The mechanisms of root exudation in tap roots and fibrous roots, focusing on the processes at the root tip. Root exudation occurs through both passive and active transport mechanisms. Passive transport includes diffusion, ion channels, and vesicle transport, which facilitate the release of low-molecular-weight compounds driven by concentration gradients and membrane permeability. Active transport involves ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins and H+/Na+ gradient-dependent transporters (e.g., MATE), responsible for the release of primary and secondary metabolites. Primary metabolites support plant growth and development under stress, while secondary metabolites enhance environmental adaptation by modifying the surrounding rhizosphere. The image highlights the complex interplay between these mechanisms in regulating root exudation and its significance in plant physiology (Adapted from Ma et al., 2022) 5.3 Influence of leaf genes on photosynthesis and energy production Leaf genes significantly influence photosynthesis and energy production, which are critical for the growth and survival of trees. Aboveground traits, such as specific leaf area and leaf dry matter content, are often consistent with the leaf economics spectrum and are influenced by soil moisture conditions (Asefa et al., 2022). These traits are crucial for optimizing photosynthetic efficiency and energy production under varying environmental conditions. Additionally, electrical signaling between leaves of different plants can induce systemic physiological changes, including alterations in photosynthetic activity. This type of aboveground plant-to-plant communication demonstrates the interconnectedness of leaf functions and their impact on overall plant health (Szechyńska-Hebda et al., 2022). 6 Case Studies: Gene Discovery and Functional Analysis 6.1 Novel gene identification in diverse tree families Recent advancements in genomic technologies have significantly enhanced our ability to identify novel genes in various tree families. For instance, a study on Norway spruce demonstrated the use of microsatellite loci to genotype over four hundred unique accessions, leading to the identification of a highly diverse core collection set (Kelblerová et al., 2022). Similarly, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been employed to uncover genes associated with growth traits in Eucalyptus, revealing significant associations with tree height and other phenotypic traits (Figure 3) (Müller et al., 2018). These studies underscore the importance of leveraging diverse genetic resources and advanced genomic tools to uncover novel genes that contribute to important traits in forest trees.
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