Development of an Advanced-Generation Multi-Objective Breeding Population for the 4th Cycle of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.)

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) is an important timber species native to southern China. While the single, unstructured breeding strategy was employed in past three cycles of breeding, it no longer adequate for managing a more advanced population. In this study, we utilized restriction-site-associated DNA-sequencing (RAD-seq) estimate genetic diversity populations and phenotypic values or gain hundred-grain weight, diameter at breast height, wood basic density. To achieve balance between diversity, combined multiple core-main methods construct fourth cycle Finally, population made up core 50 individuals with inbreeding coefficient ~0, additional main 183 individuals, effective size 108. Crossings within and/or different trait-targeted subpopulations could facilitate bidirectional gene flow populations, depending on objectives. This structured aim both short- long-term gains has potential support preservation germplasm resources future climate change.