Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 211-219 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 211 Case Study Open Access Breeding Advances of Metasequoia glyptostroboides for Stress Tolerance and Ecological Restoration Zhen Liu, Wenfang Wang, Xuelian Jiang, Yeping Han Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: yeping.han@jicat.org Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2025, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2025.15.0025 Received: 17 Sep., 2025 Accepted: 20 Oct., 2025 Published: 29 Oct., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Liu et al., 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: Liu Z., Wang W.F., Jiang X.L., and Han Y.P., 2025, Breeding advances of Metasequoia glyptostroboides for stress tolerance and ecological restoration, Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 15(5): 211-219 (doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2025.15.0025) Abstract This study summarizes the new progress of Metasequoia glyptostroboides in stress-resistant breeding and ecological restoration. Research has found that Metasequoia glyptostroboides has a high genetic diversity, providing a rich basis for stress resistance improvement. The use of natural or synthetic superabsorbent polymers can enhance the drought resistance and salt tolerance of Metasequoia glyptostroboides seedlings, as well as improve their growth and physiological conditions. The root system of Metasequoia glyptostroboides is highly malleable and can adapt to both aquatic and terrestrial environments, which makes it more ecologically adaptable. With the assistance of ectomycorrhizal fungi and rhizogenic bacteria, the ability of Metasequoia glyptostroboides to resist salt stress can be further enhanced. Efficient tissue culture and rapid propagation techniques have provided technical support for the protection of Metasequoia glyptostroboides germplasm resources and large-scale ecological restoration. This study aims to provide theoretical and practical references for the stress resistance improvement and ecological restoration utilization of Metasequoia glyptostroboides. Keywords Metasequoia glyptostroboides; Stress resistance breeding; Ecological restoration; Root plasticity; Biological measures 1 Introduction Metasequoia glyptostroboides, also known as “living fossils”, is a world-renowned relict tree species. It is native to central China and has now been widely introduced to all over the world. Because of its unique evolutionary history and scarcity, it holds high value in botanical and ecological research. Metasequoia glyptostroboides can grow both in water and on land. The morphology and function of its root system vary greatly, which enables it to adapt to different ecological environments (Yang et al., 2019). Metasequoia glyptostroboides plays many roles in the ecosystem. It can serve as a carbon sink, helping to protect biodiversity, and is often used as a pioneer tree species in ecological restoration projects. Guo et al. (2025) demonstrated that Metasequoia glyptostroboides can improve soil structure, increase organic carbon accumulation, and enhance the stability and resilience of ecosystems. Its genetic diversity and adaptability provide guarantees for its survival under climate change and human interference (Chen et al., 2020; Li et al., 2025a). However, the natural renewal capacity is not strong, and the seed vitality and germination rate have declined. This indicates that strengthening protection and artificial breeding is extremely urgent (Li et al., 2012; Shen et al., 2024). This study summarizes the latest progress of Metasequoia glyptostroboides in stress resistance breeding and ecological restoration in recent years, analyzes its physiological responses and molecular regulatory mechanisms under adverse conditions such as salinization and drought, assesses the effects of different breeding and propagation techniques on enhancing the stress resistance and adaptability of Metasequoia glyptostroboides, explores its role in ecological restoration and carbon sink functions, and proposes future development directions. This study aims to provide theoretical basis and practical reference for the protection, sustainable utilization and ecological restoration promotion of Metasequoia glyptostroboides. 2 Biological and Ecological Characteristics of M. glyptostroboides 2.1 Taxonomy, morphology, and growth traits Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a rare deciduous coniferous tree and is often referred to as a “living fossil”. Its
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==