Understanding Genetic Factors for Better Growth and Wood Quality in Spruce Trees

Jenn Hoskins
15th June, 2024

Understanding Genetic Factors for Better Growth and Wood Quality in Spruce Trees

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) focused on Norway spruce populations in northern Europe
  • Including marker-based population structure in genetic models led to more accurate estimates for growth and wood properties
  • Excluding population structure resulted in less accurate estimates, potentially hindering breeding program effectiveness
Forest geneticists often rely on provenances, which are geographic origins of seed sources, to account for population differences in their improvement programs. However, historical records of imported materials might not always be precise or align well with genetic clusters identified through advanced molecular techniques. The main objective of a recent study by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) was to assess the impact of marker-based population structure on genetic parameter estimates related to growth and wood properties in Norway spruce, by either incorporating it as a fixed effect (model-A) or excluding it entirely from the analysis (model-B)[1]. Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a dominant conifer species in northern Europe, and it holds significant economic importance. Previous studies have shown that geographic origin has a strong influence on growth traits such as height and diameter, as well as phenology traits like bud-burst[2]. The mixed origins of trees, coupled with extensive breeding programs, have provided a unique opportunity to dissect the genetic basis of local adaptation and assess the potential for assisted gene flow. In this new study, researchers aimed to understand how incorporating marker-based population structure as a fixed effect influences genetic parameter estimates. This is crucial because growth and wood properties are key traits for the forestry industry, and accurate genetic parameter estimates are essential for effective breeding programs. The study involved analyzing genetic data from various Norway spruce populations. Two models were used: model-A, which included marker-based population structure as a fixed effect, and model-B, which excluded it. The researchers then compared the genetic parameter estimates from both models to determine the impact of accounting for population structure. The findings revealed that incorporating marker-based population structure as a fixed effect (model-A) resulted in more accurate genetic parameter estimates for growth and wood properties. This approach helped to account for the genetic differences between populations, leading to more reliable estimates. In contrast, excluding population structure (model-B) led to less accurate estimates, which could potentially hinder the effectiveness of breeding programs. These results are consistent with previous studies that have highlighted the importance of considering population structure in genetic analyses. For example, earlier research on Norway spruce showed that growth traits were highly polygenic and influenced by geographic origin[2]. Additionally, studies on forest tree species have demonstrated adaptive differentiation between populations, with significant genetic variation observed at specific loci[3]. By incorporating marker-based population structure, the researchers were able to account for the genetic diversity within and between populations, leading to more precise estimates of genetic parameters. This approach also helps to identify potential trade-offs between growth and wood properties, which are important considerations for breeding programs. The study's findings have significant implications for forest geneticists and breeders. By using marker-based population structure as a fixed effect, they can improve the accuracy of their genetic parameter estimates, leading to more effective breeding programs. This approach also aligns with the goals of assisted gene flow, which aims to enhance the adaptability of tree populations to changing environmental conditions[2]. In conclusion, the study conducted by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) demonstrates the importance of incorporating marker-based population structure in genetic analyses of Norway spruce. This approach leads to more accurate genetic parameter estimates for growth and wood properties, which are essential for effective breeding programs. The findings build on previous research and highlight the need to account for genetic diversity within and between populations to achieve better outcomes in forest genetics and breeding.

GeneticsBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Implications of accounting for marker-based population structure in the quantitative genetic evaluation of genetic parameters related to growth and wood properties in Norway spruce

Published 14th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12863-024-01241-x

Related Studies

2) Assessing the potential for assisted gene flow using past introduction of Norway spruce in southern Sweden: Local adaptation and genetic basis of quantitative traits in trees.

https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12855

3) Nucleotide diversity at two phytochrome loci along a latitudinal cline in Pinus sylvestris.

Journal: Molecular ecology, Issue: Vol 12, Issue 5, May 2003


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