Researchers Identified Genetic Markers for Curly Birch
A new study on chromosome 10 narrows the genomic region controlling curly wood phenotypes in birch trees.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Life Sciences
Researchers have confirmed a specific genetic association for the curly wood phenotype in Betula pendula var. carelica, narrowing the target region on chromosome 10. This research-stage finding identifies 22 candidate protein-coding loci within a refined 275 kb interval.
Why it matters
Understanding the genetic basis of figured wood allows for the development of molecular markers to support early tree selection, potentially accelerating the cultivation of specialty timber. This study provides a targeted roadmap for identifying the specific causal variations that produce the rare and valuable wood grain.
The study utilized whole-genome resequencing of six birch trees and a ddRADseq-based GWAS to isolate the interval spanning 3,249,985 to 3,524,841 bp. The resulting 275 kb linkage disequilibrium-enriched interval is significantly smaller than the initial 1.2 Mb scope.
The players
Betula pendula var. carelica
A birch tree variety prized for its unique curly wood grain phenotype.
The details
Researchers performed a GWAS—a genome-wide association study that scans for genetic markers across a population—on 96 unrelated trees. By identifying 1,872 SNVs—single nucleotide variations where one DNA base differs between individuals—they mapped the trait to a high-priority linkage disequilibrium region. The team applied annotation-guided prioritization to focus on 22 potential protein-coding loci that may influence wood formation.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The study on curly birch genome association was published.
The Tech Race
This finding follows a pattern set by broader research into the genetic basis of tree phenotype traits by successfully narrowing the candidate genomic region. It provides a more precise target for future studies seeking to engineer or select for high-value timber characteristics.
These findings provide a foundation for breeders to develop molecular markers that could identify trees with curly wood characteristics at an early stage. While not yet applied to commercial forestry, this method offers a faster alternative to traditional growth-based assessment.
The takeaway
The research successfully isolates the chromosome 10 region associated with curly birch, moving closer to pinpointing the functional gene. Future developments will focus on validating these molecular markers for practical use in timber selection programs.
Further reading
For more on how genetic sequencing is transforming botany, explore the Life Sciences archives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nature.
