National Institute of Forest Science Develops Technology to Identify Superior Japanese Larch Traits

(Daejeon=Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Eun-pa = The National Institute of Forest Science has developed a molecular marker for individual identification through nuclear genome information analysis to efficiently manage Japanese larch genetic resources, it announced on the 21st.

Japanese larch, which originates from Japan, is a gymnosperm belonging to the pine family and is a representative introduced tree species in Korea.

With its fast growth rate and straight growth characteristics, it is widely used as a construction material.

To improve Japanese larch, superior trees (seed trees) with excellent external traits must be selected from forest areas such as plantations, and their offspring must be established in test forests to verify genetic excellence.

As such, accurate lineage management of mother trees is extremely important.

The Forest Science Institute developed six molecular markers using Japanese larch nuclear genome information to identify trees with superior traits and has completed patent registration.

The developed molecular markers are expected to be widely used not only for identifying the lineage of seeds produced in seed orchards and individual trees but also for future genetic resource and breeding population management, as well as seed and timber distribution management.

Oh Chang-young, Director of Timber Resources Research, said, "We developed molecular markers for accurate lineage management of Japanese larch, which has high domestic demand," adding, "This will be very helpful for improvement, breeding, and management of domestic Japanese larch."

sw21@yna.co.kr