Xuelian Jiang , Wenfang Wang

Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Plant Gene and Trait, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 2   
Received: 03 Feb., 2024    Accepted: 08 Mar., 2024    Published: 17 Mar., 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.

Trees play a critical role in ecosystems and human life, serving as essential components of biodiversity and providing numerous ecological and economic benefits. However, various stress factors, such as climate change and pollutants, pose significant threats to tree health and survival. Epigenetics, encompassing mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA-associated silencing, offers insights into how trees adapt to these stressors at a molecular level. This study delves into the basics of epigenetic mechanisms in trees, highlighting their role in gene regulation during stress responses and evolutionary adaptations. We explore environmental stressors, such as drought, temperature extremes, and pollution, and their corresponding epigenetic responses in trees. Case studies provide detailed examinations of epigenetic changes under specific conditions, including drought, air pollution, and cold tolerance in alpine species. Advancements in technology, such as genomic sequencing and bioinformatics, have revolutionized epigenetic research in trees, allowing for more precise analysis and potential applications in epigenetic editing. The influence of epigenetics on tree development, reproduction, and intergenerational patterns is also examined, emphasizing its impact on forestry practices and conservation strategies. The study concludes with a discussion on the ethical and policy considerations of epigenetic applications, public perception, and future research directions. By integrating epigenetic knowledge with traditional genetic research, this study aim to enhance tree resilience and contribute to sustainable forestry management.

Epigenetics; Environmental stress; Tree adaptation; Forestry conservation; Sustainable management