Yali Deng , Meifang Li

Tropical Medicinal Plant Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0015
Received: 25 Apr., 2024    Accepted: 27 May, 2024    Published: 29 Jun., 2024

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.

Deng Y.L., and Li M.F., 2024, Precise editing and functional verification of pine disease resistance genes, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(3): 144-154 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0015)

The primary goal of this study is to explore the precise editing and functional verification of disease resistance genes in pine species, with a focus on leveraging advanced genome editing technologies to enhance disease resistance. Recent advancements in genome editing, particularly the CRISPR/Cas9 system, have enabled precise modifications of disease resistance genes in various plant species, including pines. Studies have demonstrated the successful identification and mapping of resistance genes, such as Cr1 in sugar pine and Cr3 in southwestern white pine, which are crucial for combating diseases like white pine blister rust. Additionally, the use of high-density genetic maps and SNP markers has facilitated the understanding of the genomic architecture underlying disease resistance, revealing the evolutionary pressures and potential for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. The application of genome editing has also shown promise in creating de novo functional alleles to drive resistance without compromising plant physiology. The integration of genome editing technologies in pine breeding programs holds significant potential for developing disease-resistant varieties. These advancements not only enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of disease resistance but also provide practical tools for breeding and conservation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of continued research and application of genome editing to ensure sustainable forest management and resilience against pathogens.

Genome editing; CRISPR/Cas9; Disease resistance; Pine species; Genetic mapping; SNP markers; White pine blister rust; Marker-assisted selection