Xiaoyan Ran¹ , Ying  Zhu² , Degang Zhao^1,2

1 The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
2 Plant Conservation & Breeding Technology Center, Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology/Biotechnology Institute of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, 550006, China
Author    Correspondence author
Genomics and Applied Biology, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0016
Received: 02 Apr., 2024    Accepted: 11 May, 2024    Published: 27 May, 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.

Ran X.Y., Zhu Y., and Zhao D.G., 2024, Integrating functional genomics with breeding in Eucommia ulmoides, Genomics and Applied Biology, 15(3): 142-152 (doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0016)

This involved constructing high-density genetic maps, analyzing quantitative trait loci (QTL) for growth traits, and identifying key genes involved in various biological processes. The study successfully constructed a high-density genetic map using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, covering 90% of the E. ulmoides genome with a total genetic distance of 4051.11 cM and an average marker distance of 0.45 cM. A total of 44 QTLs associated with growth traits were identified, along with 33 candidate genes related to energy storage, signal transmission, hormones, and metabolic pathways. Additionally, the genome of E. ulmoides was sequenced, revealing insights into sex differentiation and α-linolenic acid biosynthesis. The study also identified 71 NAC transcription factors and their potential role in rubber biosynthesis, and 119 MYB transcription factors involved in growth and development. The integration of functional genomics with breeding in Eucommia ulmoides has provided a solid foundation for future genetic improvement and breeding programs. The identification of key QTLs and candidate genes will facilitate targeted breeding strategies to enhance desirable traits, thereby improving the economic and ecological value of this important species.

Eucommia ulmoides; Functional genomics; Breeding; SNP markers; QTL analysis; Genetic map; NAC transcription factors; MYB transcription factors; α-linolenic acid; Rubber biosynthesis