Genomic selection in tree breeding

Abstract

The literature review concerning genomic selection in forest tree breeding is given. Genomic selection is based on relationships between phenotypic traits and genetic markers (single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP). Using genomic selection it is possible to get genomic estimated breeding value of plus tree without long tree progeny testing in field and selection cycle is significantly shortened. Tree breeding programs with genomic selection for Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L., lodgepole pine P. contorta Douglas ex Loudon, maritime pine P. pinaster Aiton, loblolly pine P. taeda L., Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst., white spruce P. glauca (Moench) Voss, black spruce P. mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb., hybrid spruce P. glauca (Moench) Voss. × P. engelmannii Parry ex Engelm., Douglas spruce Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. (Franco), eucalypt Eucalyptus L’Hеr. and chestnut Castanea Mill. realized in Sweden, Canada, France, United States, Brazil and New Zealand are shortly described. It is shown that genomic selection is applied mainly for growth traits (height and diameter), quality traits of wood (microfibril angle, wood elasticity and density), as well resistance to fungal diseases and insects. The literature data about optimal number of DNA-markers on the accuracy of genomic prediction are presented. In general estimates of genomic prediction for traits studied were high enough. Taken together these estimates and high economic efficiency due to shortening of breeding cycle it is possible to conclude about prospects of genomic selection in forest tree breeding. The lack of progeny field tests established by full-sib families is limiting factor to apply genomic selection in our country, but clonal archives of plus trees can be used.

Keywords

• genomic prediction
• dna-markers
• wood quality traits
• growth traits
• breeding value