Genomics Based Approaches for Tropical Tree Improvement and Conservation

This book offers foundational knowledge to advance genomic approaches in forest tree improvement and genetic resource conservation. The tropical tree breeding sector has fallen behind in genomic breeding not due to a lack of resources but rather a limited understanding and an underdeveloped genomic breeding pipeline. While marker-assisted selection (MAS) has been the preferred method for incorporating genomic data into breeding programs, it primarily targets major genes, overlooking minor gene effects. This limitation makes MAS less effective for enhancing quantitative traits such as heartwood content.

The primary goal of statistical methodologies using whole-genome information is to predict promising candidates for breeding advancement/commercialization while efficiently managing resources such as land, labor, and, most critically, time. Given the long rotation period of forest tree crops, the ability to identify, select, and modify genotypes with high heritability for economically valuable traits within a shorter timeframe marks a significant advancement in breeding. This book provides comprehensive guidelines on leveraging genomic data, including pathogenomics, to breed resilient, future-ready trees and manage populations effectively. To reinforce these guidelines, the book presents case studies on species such as Tectona grandis, Santalum album, Casuarina, Shorea, Artocarpus, tropical and sub-tropical pines, and tropical fruit trees. Additionally, the book explores broader applications of genetic data, including timber tracing and the conservation of germplasm while minimizing genetic redundancy.

This book will be a valuable resource for tropical tree breeders and researchers, equipping them with the methods and tools needed to adopt advanced genomic breeding. Additionally, students and scholars will benefit from the comprehensive information it provides, enhancing their understanding of modern breeding techniques.

Dr. Ani A. Elias is a recipient of the prestigious Ramalingaswami fellowship and currently serves as a Scientist D under this fellowship at the ICFRE – Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding in India. She earned her Ph.D. from Purdue University, USA and gained post-doctoral experience from Cornell University, USA. Specializing in statistical genetics, she has contributed to national and international crop improvement programs across both public and private sectors since her Ph.D. She has developed genomic prediction and other modeling approaches for agricultural crops such as maize, cassava, and safflower. She is a pioneer in applying genomic tree improvement techniques to tropical trees using the economically important teak tree as the model. Her research findings have been published in international journals and presented in national and international conferences. Previously, she published a book on genomic selection in agricultural crops. She is also the founder of HelixOmics Analytics, a company specializing in -omics data analysis and modeling services.

Dr. Yasodha Ramasamy, a senior scientist at the ICFRE-Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, brings over 30 years of expertise in forest biotechnology. Her expertise spans tissue culture, clonal propagation, DNA markers, QTL mapping, and association genetics in forest trees. She has successfully translated her research on bamboo, eucalyptus, and teak micropropagation into field applications, enabling large-scale adoption. She also plays a lead role in promoting short rotation teak in India. Dr. Ramasamy has made substantial contributions to molecular characterization using DNA markers aiding genetic diversity assessment, hybrid purity testing, and clonal DNA fingerprinting for species such as eucalyptus, teak, acacia, red sanders, and casuarina. One of her major achievements includes publishing the draft genome of teak using a hybrid assembly strategy which has greatly influenced teak improvement and conservation programs. With over 40 publications in international journals and book chapters, she has also mentored doctoral and postgraduate students in their research. Recognized for her excellence in forest biotechnology, she has received prestigious national and international fellowships and awards. Currently, her research focuses on developing SNP-based genetic linkage maps for tropical eucalyptus and conducting population genome analyses in teak to uncover genome-wide associations for climate adaptation.