Exploiting Natural Variation to Understand Gene Function in Pine

Plant and animal breeders have made tremendous progress using phenotypic selection and quantitative genetic theory. Genetically improved varieties have resulted without any knowledge of the specific genes affecting desirable phenotypes. Genomic technologies now make it possible to identify the loci affecting phenotypes and measure the relative effects of different alleles. Breeders will soon have the option to select directly on genotype. However, there will be considerable challenges in accurately estimating the effects of many different alleles on complex trait phenotypes. Because of their evolutionary history, life history and reproductive characteristics, pines provide an excellent model system to begin to establish relationships between genotype and phenotype. Knowledge gained from pines will not only be used in applied forest tree breeding but might also serve for basic discovery that can be transferred to other plant and animal systems.