BreedingTrees-by-Genes

BreedingTrees-by-Genes is an informatics tool featuring database that provides and integrates large-scale genomic information on tree species selected for breeding in Japan. The current version of the database provides genomic data for the following four coniferous species: Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica; Sugi), Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa; Hinoki), Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi; Karamatsu), and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata; Kouyozan). Japanese cedar, one of the most important forestry tree species in Japan, is planted and used for its excellent qualities such as a straight stem and easy processing. This species represents over 40% of the artificial forest area in Japan. Japanese cypress has been used to construct various historical buildings since ancient times, and it is currently the third most planted forestry tree species in the country. Similarly, Japanese larch is another important species characterized by early growth and excellent wood quality. In Japan, it is mostly planted in regions with a cool climate, such as Hokkaido and northern and central Honshu, and the total area afforested with trees of this species has recently increased. Chinese fir belongs to the genus Cupressaceae and is a native to China and Taiwan. It was introduced in Japan before the 19th century and has recently attracted attention as one of the fastest growing tree species in the country. The BreedingTrees-by-Genes database provides basic genetic information of the aforementioned species to promote and accelerate efficient forest tree breeding programs, as well as advances in genomics, population genetics, tree physiology, and forest management, and to support new discoveries. The database provides access to reference genomes, as well as transcriptome data, gene annotations, and the genome browser.

The BreedingTrees-by-Genes was created with the support of the MAFF-commissioned project study on the “Development of efficient breeding technique aiming at forestry trees with superior carbon storage capacity” (Grant Number JPJ009841).