Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 194-205 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 201 6.3 Potential for manipulation of sex differentiation for cultivation and yield improvement Manipulating sex differentiation in plants like Eucommia ulmoides holds significant potential for improving cultivation practices and yield. By understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying sex differentiation, it is possible to develop strategies to control the sex ratio of plant populations. For instance, targeted gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 can be employed to induce sex reversal or to create monoecious plants that bear both male and female flowers, thereby enhancing reproductive efficiency and fruit production (Belhaj et al., 2015). Additionally, the use of sex-specific markers can aid in the selection of high-yielding female plants, which are often preferred for their higher fruit and seed output. Overall, the ability to manipulate sex differentiation through biotechnological approaches offers promising avenues for the cultivation and yield improvement of economically important dioecious plants like Eucommia ulmoides (Heisler et al., 2022). 7 Implications for Conservation and Breeding Programs 7.1 Significance of understanding sex differentiation for conservation strategies Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of sex differentiation in Eucommia ulmoides is crucial for effective conservation strategies. The identification of sex-specific markers, such as the male-specific locus MSL4 and the pistillate-specific SCAR marker SCARmr, allows for early sex identification, which is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring balanced sex ratios in conservation programs (Figure 3) (Du et al., 2023). Additionally, the high genetic diversity observed within populations, as indicated by microsatellite markers, suggests that conservation efforts should focus on preserving this genetic variability to enhance the resilience and adaptability of E. ulmoides populations (Zhang et al., 2017). The development of molecular markers and the understanding of sex-biased gene expression provide valuable tools for monitoring and managing the genetic health of both wild and cultivated populations (Wang et al., 2011). Figure 3 Landscape of Female V1 and Male V2 genome (Adopted from Du et al., 2023) Image caption: The circle from outside to inside represents; A: Chromosomes of Female V1 and Superscaffolds of Male V2; B: gene density; C: GC content; D: repeat abundance; E: synteny information; All distributions were drawn in a window size of 1 Mb (Adopted from Du et al., 2023) 7.2 Application of genetic knowledge in breeding programs for Eucommia ulmoides The application of genetic knowledge in breeding programs for Eucommia ulmoides can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these programs. The identification of key genes involved in sex differentiation, such as EuAP3 and EuAG, and the development of sex-linked molecular markers enable breeders to select desired traits at early developmental stages, thus accelerating the breeding process (Zhang et al., 2023). The construction
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