Researchers Mapped Genes Behind Spruce Cone Development
A study in the journal Cell identifies a key gene driving the long-delayed reproductive cycle of Norway spruce trees.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Botany
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Scientists have successfully mapped the gene expression of Norway spruce shoots to understand how trees transition from branch growth to cone development. The study identified a previously unknown gene, DAL55, that appears to play a critical role in this process.
Why it matters
Identifying these molecular mechanisms could help researchers accelerate tree breeding efforts for the Norway spruce. Understanding why these trees take decades to mature may also provide insights into the developmental regulation of forest species.
Researchers analyzed 88 shoot tissue sections sliced at 10 micrometers thick using spatial transcriptomics. The team tracked activity across the autumn months, identifying steady increases in DAL55 expression through October.
The players
Cell
Cell is a prominent peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes research findings across the broad field of experimental biology.
The details
By mapping the spatial expression of genes, the team tracked exactly where and when activity occurred within the developing shoots. The study also highlighted the acrocona mutant, which is notable for producing cones much earlier than the 25-year maturity mark typical of standard Norway spruce trees.
Timeline
Tissue samples were collected for analysis during August, September, and October.
The Big Picture
This research expands on the study of the acrocona mutant to define the molecular roadmap of spruce development. It shifts the discipline toward precise genetic mapping of reproductive cycles in long-lived perennial plants.
This research could eventually lead to faster-growing and more resilient spruce forests by allowing breeders to select for desired reproductive traits. These findings may also eventually aid in the development of more productive forestry yields for the lumber and paper industries.
The takeaway
The discovery of DAL55 provides a vital clue as to why these trees require over 25 years to reach reproductive maturity. Continued investigation into this genetic pathway may unlock new ways to shorten breeding cycles in other conifer species.
What happens next
Researchers plan to deactivate the DAL55 gene in living Norway spruce trees to definitively establish its role in triggering cone formation.
Further reading
Learn more about plant development and genetic research in the Botany section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Earth.
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