Advances in Traditional Tree Breeding for Growth, Adaptation, and Genetic Improvement
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2026 | Viewed by 86
Special Issue Editor
Interests: tree growth rhythm; adventitious root formation; tree breeding; genetic improvement; molecular breeding; progeny testing; seed orchard management; parental selection; adaptation to climate change; forest genetics
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Traditional tree breeding remains a cornerstone of forest genetic improvement, integrating field-based evaluation, selection, and controlled crossing to enhance desirable traits such as growth rate, adaptability, and resilience. In recent years, advanced breeding techniques, including ploidy manipulation (e.g., polyploid breeding) and interspecific or wide hybridization, have shown great potential in overcoming breeding barriers and creating novel genetic combinations. This Special Issue aims to compile recent advances in both conventional and emerging tree breeding methodologies and their integration with modern genetic tools. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Progeny growth performance and adaptability under varying environmental conditions;
- Evaluation and management of seed orchards for improved genetic gain;
- Parental selection and mating design strategies;
- Genetic parameter estimation and breeding value prediction;
- Ploidy breeding and its application in tree improvement;
- Interspecific hybridization and its role in enhancing genetic diversity and stress tolerance;
- Integration of phenotypic, pedigree, and genomic data in breeding programs;
- Case studies on economically and ecologically important tree species.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and methodological papers that contribute to the understanding and advancement of traditional and modern tree breeding practices.
Dr. Huiyu Li
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- tree breeding
- genetic improvement
- progeny testing
- seed orchard
- parental selection
- growth adaptation
- polyploid breeding
- interspecific hybridization
- forest genetics
- climate resilience
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