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ARS Home » Southeast Area » New Orleans, Louisiana » Southern Regional Research Center » Commodity Utilization Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #295674
Title: Breeding status of tung tree (Vernicia sp.) in China, a multipurpose oilseed crop with industrial uses

Author
item ZHAN, ZHIYONG - Chinese Academy Of Forestry
item WANG, YANGDONG - Chinese Academy Of Forestry
item Shockey, Jay
item CHEN, YICUN - Chinese Academy Of Forestry
item ZHOU, ZHICHUN - Chinese Academy Of Forestry
item YAO, XIAOHUA - Chinese Academy Of Forestry
item REN, HUADONG - Chinese Academy Of Forestry

Submitted to: SILVAE GENETICA
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/26/2012
Publication Date: 2/1/2013
Citation: Zhan, Z., Wang, Y., Shockey, J., Chen, Y., Zhou, Z., Yao, X., Ren, H. 2012. Breeding status of tung tree (Vernicia sp.) in China, a multipurpose oilseed crop with industrial uses. Silvae Genetica. 61(6):265-270.

Interpretive Summary: The current status of the tung industry in China is reviewed. The history of the use of tung trees in China is reviewed and a list of the uses of tung oil is presented. Highlights of the progress that has been made to enhance the oil content and quality, as well as the attempts to increase resistance of the tung trees towards pests and other stresses are presented. Also discussed are the challenges that lie ahead for the continued use of tung oil as a major industrial commodity, and a look at the areas in which future improvements must be made to continue.

Technical Abstract: As a developing country with the world’s largest population, China faces a serious challenge in satisfying its continuously increasing energy demands. Tung trees (Vernicia sp., especially V. fordii and V. montana), are multipurpose, perennial plants belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. The unique chemical properties of tung seed oil make it one of the best known industrial drying oils. In this review, the breeding status of tung trees in China and some factors which limit the development of tung tree breeding will be summarized. Improvements in ecological performance and pathogen resistance, through to improved breeding methods, will help to rapidly expand the development and use of tung trees and their oil products in China. It is essential for tung tree breeding to advance in the future to keep pace with the increased demand.