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Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 6026

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Xian-Rong Wang

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Guest Editor

Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Interests: cherry tree studies; genetic variation; phylogeography

Prof. Dr. Yong Yang

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Guest Editor

Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Interests: systematics; biogeography and conservation of seed plants
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Dear Colleagues,

In 1985, the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry was officially established at its founding congress held in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. Since its establishment 40 years ago, under the leadership of the Chinese Society of Forestry, the Dendrology Branch has inherited and promoted the glorious traditions and styles of the older generation of dendrologists, including Wan-Chun Cheng. It has united the vast number of dendrologists from across the country who have pooled their wisdom and conducted extensive in-depth research and practices in the role of dendrology in higher education, curriculum reform, the development and utilization of wild plant resources, ecological reconstruction, the biodiversity and conservation of threatened trees and the training of graduate students, all of which are hot topics in modern forestry. Through academic seminars, popular science consulting, and social services and a rich variety of other activities, the Dendrology Branch has facilitated exchanges among dendrologists to discuss developmental strategies. The organization has continuously grown so that, at present, there are more than 500 members working diligently in their respective positions to contribute to the revitalization and development of China's forestry industry.

In recognition of these achievements, the journal Plants is planning to publish a Special Issue entitled ‘Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry’. The Special Issue will publish high-quality research articles and comprehensive literature reviews within the broad scope of dendrology. We invite you to contribute your original research papers and comprehensive review articles on a current or hot-topic issue for peer review and possible publication.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Dendrology, systematics, phylogenetics and biogeography;
Tree ecology and biodiversity, including invasive biology and conservation biology;
Structure, physiology, and development, including Evo-Devo;
Genetics and variation, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics;
Trees and human health, including utilization of tree resources.

Prof. Dr. Xian-Rong Wang
Prof. Dr. Yong Yang
Guest Editors

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

tree taxonomy
forest ecology
biodiversity
tree growth and development
tree resource utilization
systematics and evolution

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodiversity Patterns and Community Construction in Subtropical Forests Driven by Species Phylogenetic Environments

by Pengcheng Liu, Jiejie Jiao, Chuping Wu, Weizhong Shao, Xuesong Liu and Liangjin Yao

Plants 2025, 14(15), 2397; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152397 - 2 Aug 2025

Viewed by 439

Abstract

To explore the characteristics of species diversity and phylogenetic diversity, as well as the dominant processes of community construction, in different forest types (deciduous broad-leaved forest, mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest, and Chinese fir plantation) in subtropical regions, analyze the specific driving patterns of soil nutrients and other environmental factors on the formation of forest diversity in different forest types, and clarify the differences in response to environmental heterogeneity between natural forests and plantation forests. Based on 48 fixed monitoring plots of 50 m × 50 m in Shouchang Forest Farm, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province, woody plants with a diameter at breast height ≥5 cm were investigated. Species diversity indices (Margalef index, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou index), phylogenetic structure index (PD), and environmental factors were used to analyze the relationship between diversity characteristics and environmental factors through variance analysis, correlation analysis, and generalized linear models. Phylogenetic structural indices (NRI and NTI) were used, combined with a random zero model, to explore the mechanisms of community construction in different forest types. Research has found that (1) the deciduous broad-leaved forest had the highest species diversity (Margalef index of 4.121 ± 1.425) and phylogenetic diversity (PD index of 21.265 ± 7.796), significantly higher than the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest and the Chinese fir plantation (p < 0.05); (2) there is a significant positive correlation between species richness and phylogenetic diversity, with the best fit being AIC = 70.5636 and R² = 0.9419 in broad-leaved forests; however, the contribution of evenness is limited; (3) the specific effects of soil factors on different forest types: available phosphorus (AP) is negatively correlated with the diversity of deciduous broad-leaved forests (p < 0.05), total phosphorus (TP) promotes the diversity of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, while the diversity of Chinese fir plantations is significantly negatively correlated with total nitrogen (TN); (4) the phylogenetic structure of three different forest types shows a divergent pattern in deciduous broad-leaved forests, indicating that competition and exclusion dominate the construction of deciduous broad-leaved forests; the aggregation mode of Chinese fir plantation indicates that environmental filtering dominates the construction of Chinese fir plantation; the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is a transitional model, indicating that the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is influenced by both stochastic processes and ecological niche processes. In different forest types in subtropical regions, the species and phylogenetic diversity of broad-leaved forests is significantly higher than in other forest types. The impact of soil nutrients on the diversity of different forest types varies, and the characteristics of community construction in different forest types are also different. This indicates the importance of protecting the original vegetation and provides a scientific basis for improving the ecological function of artificial forest ecosystems through structural adjustment. The research results have important practical guidance value for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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17 pages, 2601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tree Selection of Vernicia montana in a Representative Orchard Cluster Within Southern Hunan Province, China: A Comprehensive Evaluation Approach

by Juntao Liu, Zhexiu Yu, Xihui Li, Ling Zhou, Ruihui Wang and Weihua Zhang

Plants 2025, 14(15), 2351; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152351 - 30 Jul 2025

Viewed by 318

Abstract

With the objective of identifying superior Vernicia montana trees grounded in phenotypic and agronomic traits, this study sought to develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation method which would provide a practical foundation for future clonal breeding initiatives. Using the Vernicia montana propagated from seedling forests grown in the Suxian District of Chenzhou City in southern Hunan Province, we conducted pre-selection, primary selection, and re-selection of Vernicia montana forest stands and took the nine trait indices of single-plant fruiting quantity, single-plant fruit yield, disease and pest resistance, fruit ripening consistency, fruit aggregation, fresh fruit single-fruit weight, fresh fruit seed rate, dry seed kernel rate, and seed kernel oil content rate as the optimal evaluation indexes and carried out cluster analysis and a comprehensive evaluation in order to establish a comprehensive evaluation system for superior Vernicia montana trees. The results demonstrated that a three-stage selection process—consisting of pre-selection, primary selection, and re-selection—was conducted using a comprehensive analytical approach. The pre-selection phase relied primarily on sensory evaluation criteria, including fruit count per plant, tree size, tree morphology, and fruit clustering characteristics. Through this rigorous screening process, 60 elite plants were selected. The primary selection was based on phenotypic traits, including single-plant fruit yield, pest and disease resistance, and uniformity of fruit ripening. From this stage, 36 plants were selected. Twenty plants were then selected for re-selection based on key performance indicators, such as fresh fruit weight, fresh fruit seed yield, dry seed kernel yield, and oil content of the seed kernel. Then the re-selected optimal trees were clustered and analyzed into three classes, with 10 plants in class I, 7 plants in class II, and 3 plants in class III. In class I, the top three superior plants exhibited outstanding performance across key traits: their fresh fruit weight per fruit, fresh fruit seed yield, dry seed yield, and seed kernel oil content reached 41.61 g, 42.80%, 62.42%, and 57.72%, respectively. Compared with other groups, these figures showed significant advantages: 1.17, 1.09, 1.12, and 1.02 times the average values of the 20 reselected superior trees; 1.22, 1.19, 1.20, and 1.08 times those of the 36 primary-selected superior trees; and 1.24, 1.25, 1.26, and 1.19 times those of the 60 pre-selected trees. Fruits counts per plant and the number of fruits produced per plant of the best three plants in class I were 885 and 23.38 kg, respectively, which were 1.13 and 1.18 times higher than the average of 20 re-selected superior trees, 1.25 and 1.30 times higher than the average of 36 first-selected superior trees, and 1.51 and 1.58 times higher than the average of 60 pre-selected superior trees. Class I superior trees, especially the top three genotypes, are suitable for use as mother trees for scion collection in grafting. The findings of this study provide a crucial foundation for developing superior clonal varieties of Vernicia montana through selective breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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14 pages, 1659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accuracy of Increment Core Method for Measuring Basic Wood Density and Moisture Content in Three Catalpa Species

by Xiping Zhao, Dongfang Wang, Pingping Guo, Qi Feng and Yuanping Deng

Plants 2025, 14(15), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152339 - 29 Jul 2025

Viewed by 202

Abstract

Assessing wood moisture and density is essential to understanding ecological processes such as tree growth and wood formation. This study compared basic density and moisture content estimates for three Catalpa species (Catalpa ovata G. Don, Catalpa bungei C. A. Mey, and Catalpa fargesii Bureau) using three sampling methods (incremental cores, wood chips, and standard wood blocks). While strong correlations (r² ≥ 0.99) were observed among all methods, the incremental core approach exhibited significant species-specific biases—overestimating density by 27.31–12.31% on average while underestimating moisture content by 5.61–30.51%. Despite its cost-effectiveness and minimal sample collection requirements, the method’s systematic deviations limit its applicability to multiple tree species. Consequently, we recommend developing species-specific linear calibration models that incorporate baseline data from standard wood block measurements to substantially improve estimation accuracy. This approach offers a practical, theory-supported solution for optimizing field sampling strategies in ecological research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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18 pages, 5036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Climate Refugia for Chengiodendron marginatum: Insights for Future Conservation Planning

by Zhirun Yu, Quanhong Yan, Yilin Li, Zheng Yan, Chenlong Fu, Bo Jiang and Lin Chen

Plants 2025, 14(13), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131961 - 26 Jun 2025

Viewed by 439

Abstract

Chengiodendron marginatum, an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family, represents a critical germplasm resource with considerable potential for novel cultivar breeding. To elucidate the adaptive responses of C. marginatum to climate change and provide strategic guidance for its conservation, this study investigates the changing patterns in its potential suitable habitats under various climate scenarios. We employed an integrated approach combining maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling with GIS spatial analysis, utilizing current occurrence records and paleoclimatic data spanning from the mid-Holocene to future projections (2041–2060 [2050s] and 2061–2080 [2070s]). Climate scenarios SSP126 and SSP585 were selected to represent contrasting emission pathways. The model demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy with an AUC value of 0.942, identifying precipitation-related variables (particularly the precipitation of driest month and annual precipitation) as the primary environmental factors shaping the geographical distribution of C. marginatum. Current suitable habitats encompass approximately 98.38 × 10⁴ km², primarily located in East, Central, and South China, with high-suitability habitats restricted to southern Hainan, Taiwan, and northeastern Guangxi. Since the mid-Holocene, an expansion of suitable habitats occurred despite localized contractions in Southwest China. Future projections revealed moderate habitat reduction under both scenarios, and high-suitability areas decreased substantially. Importantly, under both scenarios, persistent high-suitability habitats were maintained in southern Hainan, Taiwan, and northeastern Guangxi, which are identified as essential climate refugia for the species. These findings provide a basis for understanding the response of the species to climate change and offer valuable guidance for its conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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16 pages, 5265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Global Warming Impacts Suitable Habitats of the Subtropical Endemic Tree Acer pubinerve Rehder, Newly Recorded in Jiangsu Province, China

by Jie Miao, Xinyu Zhang, Zhi Yang, Chao Tan and Yong Yang

Plants 2025, 14(13), 1895; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131895 - 20 Jun 2025

Viewed by 399

Abstract

Global warming has caused the change of the geographical distribution of many species and threatened the living of species on earth. It is important to describe and predict the response of these species to current and future climate changes to conserve and utilize the endemic forest species. Acer pubinerve of the Sapindaceae is an important forest tree species endemic to China, our recent fieldwork recorded A. pubinerve in the Jiangsu province for the first time, representing the northernmost known occurrence of the species. In this study, we compiled an occurrence dataset of A. pubinerve based on field investigation, herbarium specimen data and literature, and mapped the resource distribution of this endemic forest species in China. Then, we used the optimized MaxEnt model to predict the potential suitable areas of the species under current climate conditions and future climate change scenarios and studied the impacts of environmental variables on the suitable areas of the species. The MaxEnt model, optimized with a regularization multiplier of 0.5 and a feature combination of linear and quadratic terms, exhibited the best predictive performance. The prediction accuracy of the model was extremely high and the AUC values of training and test data were 0.995 and 0.998, respectively. We found that the leading environmental variables affecting the potential distribution of A. pubinerve include the mean temperature of warmest quarter, the mean temperature of driest quarter, and the annual precipitation. Under the current climatic condition, the suitable distribution area of A. pubinerve is 165.68 × 10⁴ km², mainly located in the provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, and Guangxi. Compared with the suitable area under the current climate, the total suitable areas of A. pubinerve is projected to expand toward the north under the future climate change scenarios SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585, while its center shows a general trend of westward migration. Our study lays the foundation for conservation and resource utilization of this endemic tree species in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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11 pages, 4064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological and Molecular Evidence for a New Species Within Styrax (Styracaceae) from a Karst Area in Southwest Guangxi, China

by Guoxing Peng, Tongjun Liang, Jipeng Liang, Yitian Wang, Liaocheng Zhao, Rui Zhang, Yusong Huang, Zhi Li, Weibin Xu and Ming Tang

Plants 2025, 14(12), 1789; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121789 - 11 Jun 2025

Viewed by 407

Abstract

Styrax chongzuoensis, a novel endemic species with a narrow distribution in limestone regions of Chongzuo, Guangxi, China, is described herein. This new species seems somewhat similar to Styrax fortunei, but significantly differs from it by having long ovate or long lanceolate leaves, often with an asymmetrical base (vs. obovate-elliptic to elliptic, often with a symmetrical base) and fertile shoots with fewer flowers (1, or rarely 2 or 3, vs. many, always more than 10). Phylogenetic analyses based on the chloroplast coding sequences indicated that S. chongzuoensis and Styrax japonicus are sister taxa to each other, both clustered in the series Cyrta within Styrax. Overall, the integration of morphological and phylogenetic evidence indicates that S. chongzuoensis actually represents a new species. Color plates of S. chongzuoensis are illustrated, and a distribution map and conservation assessment of this species are also provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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15 pages, 1948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Species Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Wild Ribes in Northeast Asia

by Ximing Zhao, Dandan Zhao, Xinrui Ge, Yin Zhang, Yuxiao Du, Jingguo Liu, Yuning Liu, Hongfeng Wang and Baojiang Zheng

Plants 2025, 14(12), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121780 - 11 Jun 2025

Viewed by 352

Abstract

Ribes is the only genus in the Grossulariaceae family and holds considerable economic importance. Northeast Asia represents one of the major global centers of Ribes distribution. This study presents the first comprehensive investigation focused on this region, examining the diversity, distribution patterns, and environmental determinants of wild Ribes species through field surveys and a review of the relevant literature. Results indicate the presence of 36 species (including 8 varieties) from 7 subgenera of wild Ribes across Northeast Asia, predominantly belonging to the subgenera Berisia, Ribes, and Grossularia. The species are unevenly distributed throughout the region: (1) The Russian Far East exhibits the highest species richness, with 21 species from 5 subgenera, followed by Northeast China (16 species, 6 subgenera), Japan (12 species, 7 subgenera), Mongolia (10 species, 3 subgenera), South Korea (9 species, 5 subgenera), and North Korea (8 species, 5 subgenera). These findings suggest that the Russian Far East currently serves as the core distribution center for Ribes in Northeast Asia. (2) The species diversity of wild Ribes exhibits a unimodal latitudinal pattern, peaking between 47° N and 52° N. (3) A similar unimodal trend is evident along altitudinal gradients, with most species occurring between 500 m and 1500 m. (4) Species richness is primarily influenced by temperature stability and extreme low temperatures, followed by precipitation seasonality and elevation, while annual precipitation shows a relatively minor effect. This study offers crucial baseline data for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Ribes in Northeast Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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21 pages, 3886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution Pattern of Endangered Cycas taiwaniana Carruth. in China Under Climate-Change Scenarios Using the MaxEnt Model

by Chunping Xie, Meng Li, C. Y. Jim and Ruonan Chen

Plants 2025, 14(11), 1600; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111600 - 24 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 669

Abstract

Understanding the potential distribution patterns and habitat suitability of threatened species under climate change scenarios is essential for conservation efforts. This study aimed to assess the current and future distribution patterns of the endangered Cycas taiwaniana in China using the MaxEnt model under two contrasting climate change scenarios: SSP1-2.6 (low emissions) and SSP3-7.0 (high emissions), projected for the 2050s and 2070s periods. The model identified key bioclimatic variables influencing habitat suitability, including Annual Mean Temperature, Mean Diurnal Range, and Temperature Seasonality. Under current climate conditions, the species’ most suitable habitats are primarily located in southern coastal regions, with Hainan Island showing exceptional suitability. However, future projections under the moderate emission (SSP1-2.6) scenario suggest a significant shrinking of suitable habitat areas, particularly a 27.5% decline in excellent and a 35% decrease in good categories by the 2070s. In contrast, under the high-emission scenario (SSP3-7.0), while an initial decline in suitable habitats is projected, the model predicts an unexpected expansion of highly suitable areas by 2070, particularly in Guangxi, Guangdong, and Fujian coastal regions. The results highlight the vulnerability of C. taiwaniana to climate change and underscore the importance of developing adaptive conservation strategies to mitigate potential habitat loss. The findings also emphasize the need for further research on species-specific responses to climate change and the development of proactive measures to safeguard the future distribution of this threatened species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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15 pages, 1625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Range Shifts of Five Alnus (Betulaceae) Species in China Under Future Climate Scenarios

by Wenjie Yang, Zhilong Huang, Chenlong Fu, Zhuang Zhao, Xiaoyue Yang, Quanjun Hu and Zefu Wang

Plants 2025, 14(11), 1597; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111597 - 24 May 2025

Viewed by 496

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to forest biodiversity by altering species distributions. This study employed the MaxEnt model to predict the current and potential future suitable habitats of five Alnus species in China under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. Model accuracy was high, with temperature seasonality identified as the most influential variable. In addition, predicted range shifts showed species-specific patterns, with most species expanding toward higher latitudes and elevations. In contrast, Alnus ferdinandi-coburgii exhibited consistent habitat contraction. These findings enhance understanding of the climatic responses of Alnus species and provide a scientific basis for targeted conservation and management strategies under future climate change, and may offer insights into habitat responses of Alnus species in other temperate regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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20 pages, 14130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Potential Suitable Habitats of Three Rare Wild Magnoliaceae Species (Michelia crassipes, Lirianthe coco, Manglietia insignis) Under Current and Future Climatic Scenarios Based on the Maxent Model

by Yu Fan, Weihao Yao, Zenghui Wang, Xinyue Fan, Shuyue Hu, Hongfei Wang and Jing Ou

Plants 2025, 14(4), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040506 - 7 Feb 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 971

Abstract

In recent years, the impacts of climate change and human activities have intensified the loss and fragmentation of habitats for wild rare Magnoliaceae. Predicting the potential impacts of future climate change on the suitable habitat distribution of wild and endangered Magnoliaceae species is of great significance for their conservation and application. This study employs the optimized MaxEnt model to investigate current and future potential suitable habitats of three rare Magnoliaceae species (Michelia crassipes, Lirianthe coco, and Manglietia insignis). The dominant environmental variables influencing the distribution of three species were also explored. The results showed the following: (1) The potential habitat range of three Magnoliaceae species currently span from 92–122° N and 19–36° E. Variables associated with temperature (bio2, bio9, bio4) and altitude (Ele) significantly influence the distribution of these species, with precipitation (bio17) and ultraviolet radiation (UVB4) playing a minor role. The warm and humid climate in central and southern China is highly conducive to their growth. (2) Under the SSP126 scenario, after the mid-21st century, the suitable habitat area of Michelia crassipes has undergone a fluctuating trend of initial increase followed by decrease, reducing to 51.84 × 10⁴ km² in 2090. On the other hand, both the suitable habitat areas of Lirianthe coco and Manglietia insignis show an upward trend. Under the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios, the total suitable habitat areas of these three rare Magnoliaceae species gradually decrease. (3) We compared the priority protection areas with existing Protected Areas (PAs) in gap analysis; 96.84% of priority conservation areas are lacking effective protection. (4) The distribution centroid is constantly moving to western China. In order to address habitat fragmentation, it is recommended that the range of natural reserves be expanded and ecological corridors be established in the future, preferably according to the predicted suitable climate for protected areas and refuges or habitats for these species. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for the preservation, stewardship, and utilization of the endangered species of Magnoliaceae under the circumstances of projected global climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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19 pages, 8437 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress of CLE and Its Prospects in Woody Plants

by Zewen Song, Wenjun Zhou, Hanyu Jiang and Yifan Duan

Plants 2025, 14(10), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14101424 - 9 May 2025

Viewed by 562

Abstract

The peptide ligands of the CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-RELATED (CLE) family have been previously identified as essential signals for both short- and long-distance communication in plants, particularly during stem cell homeostasis, cell fate determination, and growth and development. To date, most studies on the CLE family have focused on model plants and especially those involving stem and apical meristems. Relatively little is known about the role of CLE peptides in tall trees and other plant meristems. In this review, we summarize the role of CLE genes in regulating plant Root Apical Meristem (RAM), Shoot Apical Meristem (SAM), Procambium, Leaf and Floral Meristem (FM), as well as their involvement in multiple signaling pathways. We also highlight the evolutionary conservation of the CLE gene family and provide a comprehensive summary of its distribution across various plant developmental tissues. This paper aims to provide insights into novel regulatory networks of CLE in plant meristems, offering guidance for understanding intercellular signaling pathways in forest trees and the development of new plant organs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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