Genetic Diversity, Adaptive Evolution, and Conservation Genomics of Forest Trees

Dear Colleagues,

Forest trees are epitomes of ecological significance and evolutionary resilience. Their unusual genetic complexity, arising from their immense genome sizes, long lifespans, ancient evolutionary history, and distinct life histories, presents unique opportunities and challenges for research. As sessile organisms, trees exemplify resilience in the face of environmental change, yet remain vulnerable to mounting global threats. This Special Issue highlights this dynamic tension by presenting cutting-edge studies spanning molecular mechanisms to applied conservation strategies.

The rapid development of genomic technologies, machine learning, and advanced biostatistical approaches has transformed forest tree research and enabled more informed management decisions. In an era of accelerated climatic change and anthropogenic pressures, leveraging genomic information has become essential to safeguard forests and their genetic resources.

We welcome contributions that advance understanding of forest tree biology through genomic perspectives, while also equipping practitioners and policymakers with actionable knowledge for conservation. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Population and Landscape Genomics: Revealing spatial genetic patterns across environmental gradients to disentangle neutral and adaptive processes;
• Adaptive Traits and Genotype–Phenotype Mapping: Using QTL mapping, GWAS, and functional assays to uncover traits linked to drought tolerance, phenology, and disease resistance;
• Epigenetic Regulation and Plasticity: Examining how trees employ epigenetic mechanisms to buffer, modulate, or accelerate responses to stressors;
• Conservation Genomics in Practice: Translating genetic insights into policy and management, from setting priorities to designing targeted restoration strategies;
• Methodological Innovations: Developing novel genomic and biostatistical tools to address increasingly complex datasets;
• Synthesis and Reviews: Integrating theories, case studies, and frameworks to assess progress, identify gaps, and highlight future directions.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all contributing authors and reviewers, whose rigorous scholarship drives forward the science and practice of forest genetics and conservation.

Dr. Tin Hang Hung
Prof. Dr. Konstantin V. Krutovsky
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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