Groundbreaking strategies boost productivity and genetic quality of key Chinese pine species

Tsinghua University Press

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Influence extent of inbreeding on the clones of each position with different seed orchard design methods

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Credit: Chengcheng Zhou, Fan Sun, Zhiyuan Jiao, Yousry A. El-Kassaby, Wei Li

A collaborative study published in Forest Ecosystems, led by researchers from Beijing Forestry University and the University of British Columbia (Canada), presents groundbreaking methods to significantly enhance the genetic quality and productivity of Pinus tabuliformis, a vital tree species in northern China. The research compared two advanced breeding strategies, revealing a clear advantage for direct selection – focusing solely on outstanding individual trees – over combined selection (selecting top families and individuals).

Analyzing an extensive dataset of 42 half-sib and 76 full-sib families, the team discovered that direct selection, particularly within half-sib families, delivered a remarkable performance boost: a 7.72% gain in diameter, an 18.56% increase in height, and an impressive 31.01% surge in volume.

"Direct selection captures elite individuals that might otherwise be missed," explains Wei Li, lead author of the study. "However, it also increases inbreeding risks, which we've addressed with advanced seed orchards design tools."

Addressing Inbreeding: A Novel Solution

To counter the potential for increased inbreeding associated with direct selection, the researchers developed the Improved Adaptive Genetic Programming Algorithm (IAPGA). This innovative strategy optimizes seed orchard layouts, strategically placing genetically distant clones to minimize inbreeding while maximizing genetic gains. The IAPGA approach achieved a significant 14.36% reduction in the average inbreeding coefficient compared to traditional methods, ensuring greater genetic diversity in future generations.

Global Implications for Sustainable Forestry

The study’s adaptable methods provide a blueprint for sustainable forest management worldwide, offering a pathway to improve seed orchard designs and boost both ecological resilience and economic returns. By enhancing seed orchard designs, this research directly supports China's ambitious afforestation goals.

By effectively merging advanced seed orchard design with traditional breeding insights, this research establishes a new benchmark for forest genetic improvement, paving the way for healthier, more productive forests in China and beyond.

Funding: This vital research was financially supported by the Biological Breeding-National Science and Technology Major Project (2023ZD0405806) and the National Key R&D Program for the 14th Five-Year Plan in China (2022YFD2200304).

 

 

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Journal

Forest Ecosystems

DOI

10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100320 

Article Title

Design strategy of advanced generation breeding population of Pinus tabuliformis based on genetic variation and inbreeding level

Article Publication Date

24-Mar-2025