Postgenomic technologies in practical forestry: development of genome-wide markers for timber origin identification and other applications

Abstract

The forest genetics, tree improvement and protection can greatly benefit from complete genome sequence data made recently available for several major conifer species. They allow to identify and annotate genes, other functional elements (sRNA, transcription factors, regulatory elements, etc.) and genetic networks that control adaptation and dis-ease resistance. They can be used to develop highly informative genetic markers that can be used in population genetic studies to create database of barcodes for individual populations to fight illegal timber harvest and trade. They are very much needed for development of genome-wide genetic markers for association studies for linking genetic variation (SNPs, alleles, haplotypes, and genotypes) with environmental factors, adaptive traits and phenotypes for better understanding genetic control of agronomically and economically important traits. They can be also used to develop genome-wide genetic markers for genomic-assisted selection to breed for better adapted, stress resistant and climate change resilient trees with desirable quality ecological and economic traits. Finally, whole genome sequences allow to integrate proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics and provide reference genomes for resequencing. In this brief summary we would like to present one of many practical applications of genetics and genomics in forestry– development of highly polymorphic and informative molecular genetic markers for several very important boreal for-est species in Eurasia, Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), based on the whole genome data obtained in the “Genomics of the Key Boreal Forest Conifer Species and Their Major Phytopathogens in the Russian Federation” project funded by the Government of the Russian Federation (grant no. 14.Y26.31.0004).