Research

12 pages, 2379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selection for Both Growth and Wood Properties in Chinese Fir Breeding Parents Based on a 6-Year Grafted Clone Test

by Rong Huang, Runhui Wang, Ruping Wei, Shu Yan, Guandi Wu and Huiquan Zheng

Forests 2023, 14(9), 1774; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14091774 - 31 Aug 2023

Viewed by 646

With the growing demand for high-quality timber, selection processes for both growth and wood properties are needed for multi-trait breeding programs in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.). The present study examined the variation and correlation of growth (tree height, diameter at [...] Read more.

With the growing demand for high-quality timber, selection processes for both growth and wood properties are needed for multi-trait breeding programs in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.). The present study examined the variation and correlation of growth (tree height, diameter at breast height, stem volume, crown-width) and wood properties (wood basic density, hygroscopicity, and heart-wood ratio) traits of 201 Chinese fir breeding parents, aiming to select better parents for future multi-trait improvement. The results showed that significant differences (p < 0.01) regarding growth and wood property traits were observed among clones in an individual site and in a two-site joint analysis. The repeatability of the tested traits varied from 0.22 to 0.87. Strong and positive (p < 0.01) correlations were detected among the four growth traits, while wood basic density had a significant negative correlation (p < 0.01 or 0.05) with the growth traits. A set of parent clones was shortlisted with substantial realized gains (ranging from 4.59% to 83.77%) in growth and wood traits. It was suggested that these selected parents could be used to improve the growth and wood quality of Chinese fir. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Genetic Improvement and Molecular Breeding of Chinese Fir)

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16 pages, 6623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an Advanced-Generation Multi-Objective Breeding Population for the 4th Cycle of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.)

by Benwen Zhao, Liming Bian, Qihang Feng, Jinzhang Wu, Xuefeng Zhang, Renhua Zheng, Xueyan Zheng, Zhiyuan Yang, Zhiqiang Chen, Harry X. Wu and Jisen Shi

Forests 2023, 14(8), 1658; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081658 - 16 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1180

Abstract

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) is an important timber species native to southern China. While the single, unstructured breeding strategy was employed in the past three cycles of breeding, it is no longer adequate for managing a more advanced breeding population. [...] Read more.

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) is an important timber species native to southern China. While the single, unstructured breeding strategy was employed in the past three cycles of breeding, it is no longer adequate for managing a more advanced breeding population. In this study, we utilized restriction-site-associated DNA-sequencing (RAD-seq) to estimate the genetic diversity of breeding populations and phenotypic values or breeding values to estimate the genetic gain of hundred-grain weight, diameter at breast height, and wood basic density. To achieve a balance between genetic gain and genetic diversity, we combined the multiple populations and core-main populations methods to construct the fourth cycle breeding population. Finally, the fourth cycle breeding population was made up of a core population of 50 individuals with an inbreeding coefficient of ~0, and an additional main population of 183 individuals, with an effective population size of 108. Crossings made within and/or between different trait-targeted subpopulations could facilitate bidirectional gene flow between the core and main populations, depending on the breeding objectives. This structured breeding population of Chinese fir could aim for both short- and long-term genetic gains and has the potential to support the preservation of germplasm resources for future climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Genetic Improvement and Molecular Breeding of Chinese Fir)

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13 pages, 1102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Density Genetic Map and QTL Analysis in Cunninghamia lanceolate: Insights into Growth and Wood-Color Traits

by Xingbin Chen, Caiyun Xiong, Yongfeng Lou, Haining Xu, Qiangqiang Cheng, Shiwu Sun and Fuming Xiao

Forests 2023, 14(8), 1591; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081591 - 05 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 878

Abstract

Cunninghamia lanceolata is one of the most important tree species in China due to its significance both in economy and ecology. The aims of the present study were to construct a high-density genetic map and identify a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for C. [...] Read more.

Cunninghamia lanceolata is one of the most important tree species in China due to its significance both in economy and ecology. The aims of the present study were to construct a high-density genetic map and identify a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for C. lanceolata. In this study, an F1 population comprising 81 individuals was developed. Using specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology, a total of 254,899 loci were found to be polymorphic. After linkage analysis, 2574 markers were used to construct genetic linkage maps. Specifically, 1632 markers were allocated to 11 linkage groups (LGs) for the female map, 1038 for the male map, and 2574 for the integrated map. The integrated map consisted of 4596 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) loci, resulting in an average of 1.79 SNP loci per SLAF marker. The marker coverage was 1665.76 cM for the female map, 1436.39 cM for the male map, and 1748.40 cM for the integrated map. The average interval between two adjacent mapped markers was 1.03 cM, 1.40 cM, and 0.68 cM for the female map, male map, and integrated map, respectively. Using the integrated map, we performed interval mapping (logarithm of odds, LOD > 2.0) to detect traits of interest. We identified a total of 2, 1, 2, 5, 1, 2, 1, and 3 QTLs for diameter at breast height, heartwood diameter, heartwood proportion, heartwood a*, heartwood b*, heartwood L*, sapwood a*, and sapwood L*, respectively. The number of markers associated with each QTL ranged from 1 to 14, and each marker explained phenotypic variances ranging from 12.70% to 23.60%. Furthermore, a common QTL was identified for diameter at breast height and heartwood color a*, while another common QTL was observed for heartwood color L* and heartwood color a*. These findings suggest possible pleiotropic effects of the same genes on these traits. In conclusion, we successfully constructed high-density genetic maps for C. lanceolata using the SLAF-seq method with an F1 population. Notably, these linkage maps represent the most comprehensive and densest ones available to date for C. lanceolata and will facilitate future chromosome assignments for C. lanceolata whole-genome sequencing. These identified QTLs will serve as a valuable resource for conducting fine-scale QTL mapping and implementing marker-assisted selection in C. lanceolata, particularly for growth and wood-color traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Genetic Improvement and Molecular Breeding of Chinese Fir)

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12 pages, 2126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insight into the Complex Genetic Relationship of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) Advanced Parent Trees Based on SSR and SNP Datasets

by Weishan Zeng, Yan Su, Rong Huang, Dehuo Hu, Shaowei Huang and Huiquan Zheng

Forests 2023, 14(2), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020347 - 09 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1115

Abstract

Accurate estimation of genetic relationships among breeding materials and their genetic diversity contributes to the optimal design of breeding programs. For Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.), an important indigenous tree species in China, breeders have attempted to employ different molecular markers [...] Read more.

Accurate estimation of genetic relationships among breeding materials and their genetic diversity contributes to the optimal design of breeding programs. For Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.), an important indigenous tree species in China, breeders have attempted to employ different molecular markers to address the genetic architecture of their target population, but the power of an advanced parent tree population with a complex pedigree relationship is still rather limited. In this study, a partly known pedigree map combined with marker-derived (SSRs and SNPs) information was implemented for the first time in the assessment of the genetic relatedness of a complex advanced parent tree population (n = 50) in Chinese fir. The bivariate analysis showed that relatedness coefficients between individuals based on SSRs were significantly correlated with SNPs (r = 0.690, p < 0.01). Moreover, the heatmap generated by the SSR-based coefficient matrix was largely consistent with that derived from the SNP-based matrix. Additionally, STRUCTURE and ADMIXTURE analyses based on the two markers showed an analogical genetic clustering result. When compared to the recorded pedigree information, the genetic relationships estimated by the two molecular markers were broadly parallel with pedigree relatedness. These results indicated that SSRs and SNPs can be used as effective tools to clarify genetic relationships when complete pedigree records are not available in Chinese fir. Based on the two markers, the present study revealed a relatively wide genetic variation (SSRs: PIC = 0.573; SNPs: PIC = 0.231) in the selected parent trees. This investigation provides important input into the progress of Chinese fir advanced-generation breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Genetic Improvement and Molecular Breeding of Chinese Fir)

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15 pages, 2251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity and Differentiation of Chinese Fir around Karst Landform in Guangxi

by Kuipeng Li, Shichang Chen, Xiaoming Chen, Xiao Lan and Kaiyong Huang

Forests 2023, 14(2), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020340 - 09 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1122

Abstract

The karst geo-ecosystems are fragile environments. The largest karst region in the world is located in southwestern China, within which the Guangxi province is one of the main areas. Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.), an evergreen species, is an important fast-growing [...] Read more.

The karst geo-ecosystems are fragile environments. The largest karst region in the world is located in southwestern China, within which the Guangxi province is one of the main areas. Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.), an evergreen species, is an important fast-growing timber tree in southern China. In the present study, we examined the genetic diversity and spatial genetic differentiation of Chinese fir in sampling localities around the karst landform region of Guangxi by genotyping 330 individuals from 11 sampling localities with 22 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci. High levels of gene flow have homogenized Chinese fir in Rongshui, Nandan, and Tiane sites, which are speculated to be the primary center of gene exchange and diversity for Chinese fir around the karst landform in Guangxi. Significant isolation by distance pattern was found among nine sampling localities. A moderate level of genetic differentiation (F_ST = 0.089, D_est = 0.139) between sampling localities was detected. Structure analysis divided Chinese fir into three subgroups (K = 3). With higher differentiation and less genetic variation than in the central population, marginal populations of Cangwu and Pubei were identified in the south of the karst landform. An effective conservation strategy focusing on the maintenance of genetic variation for marginal populations of the species was proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Genetic Improvement and Molecular Breeding of Chinese Fir)

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11 pages, 16209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of a Core Collection of Germplasms from Chinese Fir Seed Orchards

by Hanbin Wu, Aiguo Duan, Xihan Wang, Zhiyun Chen, Xie Zhang, Guiping He and Jianguo Zhang

Forests 2023, 14(2), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020305 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1131

Abstract

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) is one of the most important tree species for afforestation in China. First-, second-, and third-generation seed orchards of Chinese fir have been established successively, and rich germplasms have been accumulated in the process of genetic [...] Read more.

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) is one of the most important tree species for afforestation in China. First-, second-, and third-generation seed orchards of Chinese fir have been established successively, and rich germplasms have been accumulated in the process of genetic improvement. It is necessary to build a core collection of germplasms from Chinese fir seed orchards. In this work, we constructed core collections representing the genetic diversity of Chinese fir seed orchard resources based on SSR data. A total of 607 seed orchard materials from three generations were used to determine the best sampling method and intensity by comparing and analyzing nine methods for constructing core collections. Core Hunter’s multi-strategy optimizes allele coverage and the distance criterion under a 30% sampling intensity (weight: A–NE, 0.7; CV, 0.3 and E–NE, 0.5; CV, 0.5), which is superior to other strategies and was selected as the best method. The two core collections (A–NE&CV73, E–NE&CV55) constructed contained all the alleles of the whole collection and effectively limited the homology in the core collections; each core collection contained 182 accessions. Our findings could contribute greatly towards improving the management of genetic resources in Chinese fir seed orchards and provide elite materials for future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Genetic Improvement and Molecular Breeding of Chinese Fir)

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13 pages, 3392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation of Fertility and Phenological Synchronization in Cunninghamia lanceolata Seed Orchard: Implications for Seed Production

by Jiaxin Xie, Xin Huang, Yingquan Liu, Peng Zhu, Yuanwei Zhu, Fengqing Li, Jiabao Yao, Lianghua Chen and Hanbo Yang

Forests 2022, 13(10), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13101571 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1145

Abstract

Reproductive synchronicity between parents influences the seed production and quality in seed orchards. Our objective was to determine clonal variation in fertility and phenological synchronization, as well as their effect on seed production, in a Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) open-pollinated seed [...] Read more.

Reproductive synchronicity between parents influences the seed production and quality in seed orchards. Our objective was to determine clonal variation in fertility and phenological synchronization, as well as their effect on seed production, in a Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) open-pollinated seed orchard. Significant variation of female fertility and male phenological synchronization occurred in the clones. The flowering of the male was 2 days earlier than the female. The gamete contribution of female and male were unbalanced between clones (the phenological synchronization indexes (PO_ij) were 0.000–0.585 (as female) vs. 0.000–0.385 (as male)). In general, the average PO_ij value of as a male was lower than as a female, but the number of male flowers were significantly higher than female, indicating that the management of female flowers should be enhanced. The average PO_ij of self-pollination was 0.298, higher than cross-pollination (0.236), indicating that there was a larger probability to selfing in the orchard. The middle phenological type possessed higher phenological synchronization indexes than early and late phenological type. Genetic control was stronger for number of female flowers (H² = 0.277) than for male and female initial stages and flower duration (H² = 0.193–0.239). We found a positive correlation between PO_ij and TSW (r = 0.756), SOsc (r = 0.612), and Cp (r = 0.337), suggesting the phenological synchronization determined the seed quality and yield. Comprehensively, this study provided fertility and phenology information for management of a Chinese fir seed orchard, as well as a reference for the establishment of advanced seed orchards of conifer trees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Genetic Improvement and Molecular Breeding of Chinese Fir)

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14 pages, 2731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dendroclimatological Analysis of Chinese Fir Using a Long-Term Provenance Trial in Southern China

by Hong Wang, Jianjun Sun, Aiguo Duan, Anming Zhu, Hanbin Wu and Jianguo Zhang

Forests 2022, 13(9), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13091348 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1418

Abstract

The Chinese fir, Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook, is an essential fast-growing timber species that is widely distributed in southern China, producing timber with high economic value. Understanding the climate sensitivity of the tree species and its intra-specific variation would help us to estimate [...] Read more.

The Chinese fir, Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook, is an essential fast-growing timber species that is widely distributed in southern China, producing timber with high economic value. Understanding the climate sensitivity of the tree species and its intra-specific variation would help us to estimate the potential climatic adaptation of the Chinese fir. Consequently, we developed radial growth (tree-ring, earlywood and latewood width) and wood density (earlywood, latewood, minimum and maximum density) chronologies for the period 1981–2013 to evaluate whether Chinese fir provenances varied in their tree-ring characteristics and the strength of their responses to seasonal and monthly climate variables. The results showed that more climatic information was obtainable from the trees’ radial growth than from their wood densities. Moreover, the wood density variables provided additional information about seasonal precipitation, which could not be found in tree-ring widths. Specifically, radial growth was highly sensitive to spring and fall temperature, whereas the wood density (particularly that of maximum density) was mainly limited by spring precipitation. Importantly, each tree-ring chronology of Chinese fir provenances varied in the intensity of its response to climate variables, reflecting population acclimation via genetic adaptation or plasticity to local conditions. By providing a theoretical basis for the climate–growth relationships of Chinese fir provenance within a subtropical climate, one can evaluate future climate change impacts on forests and the feedback of forest systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Genetic Improvement and Molecular Breeding of Chinese Fir)

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