National Institute of Forest Science Develops Molecular Markers for Japanese Larch to Manage Superior Varieties

On July 21, the National Institute of Forest Science announced that it had developed and patented molecular markers for individual identification by analyzing the nuclear genome information of Japanese larch.

Japanese larch, a gymnosperm in the pine family native to Japan, is a representative introduced species in South Korea. Due to its rapid growth and straight form, it is primarily used as a building material.

However, in order to improve Japanese larch, it is necessary to select trees with superior external traits (plus trees) from forests in specific areas such as plantations, then establish progeny test forests with the offspring of these plus trees to verify their genetic superiority. This is why the management of the pedigree of mother trees is crucial.

Classification table of tree forms using DNA markers for identifying Japanese larch. Provided by National Institute of Forest Science

To address this, the National Institute of Forest Science developed a total of six molecular markers using nuclear genome information of Japanese larch to identify trees with superior traits for pedigree management, and registered these as patents.

The developed molecular markers are expected to be widely used for pedigree identification of seeds and individual trees produced at seed orchards, as well as for the management of genetic resources and breeding populations, and for the management of seed and timber distribution.

A seed orchard is a group of genetically superior trees that prevents contamination from inferior external pollen. It also serves as a seed supply source that enables the mass production and easy collection of higher-quality seeds.

Oh Changyoung, head of the Tree Genetic Resources Division, stated, "The National Institute of Forest Science developed molecular markers to ensure accurate pedigree management of Japanese larch, which is in high demand in South Korea," adding, "We expect that the development of these molecular markers will contribute to the improvement and breeding management of Japanese larch in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.