Harry Wu

Can you provide a quick outline of your research? What is your field of interest?

My research focuses on quantitative genetics and tree breeding, from estimating genetic parameters and breeding values based on progeny testing data. I also study breeding strategies to increase the genetic gain of tree breeding programs. Since I moved to Sweden, I shifted my interests a bit from quantitative genetics to quantitative genomics, which is related to quantitative traits, including genomic selection. At the moment, my main research includes (1) the development of genotyping tools, (2) finding genes responsible for trait variation using genome-wide association, and (3) using dense DNA markers to develop genomic selection methods for trees. 

What made you interested in this particular area?

I was trained in forestry initially and developed a key interest in genetics during my post-graduate training. Molecular genetics just started at that time, but I found that quantitative genetics was more relevant for tree breeding at that time.  I also like mathematics and statistics, and quantitative genetics uses lots of statistics.  Genomics also heavily uses bioinformatics, which involves statistics and programming.

Could you share some recent findings and/or highlights from your work?

Our recent findings include (1) Assembled and published first chromosome level genome in conifer (Niu et al. 2022); (2) developed two 50K SNPs genotyping arrays (Norway spruce and Scots pine) for population genomics and genomic selection (Estravis Barcala et al. 2023); (3) Revealed genetic architecture behind developmental and seasonal control of tree growth and wood properties in Norway spruce (Chen et al. 2022); and (4) developed genomic selection models for Norway spruce and Scots pine (Chen et al. 2023)

How did you learn about the SLU Breeding Network, and how did it impact your research? What opportunities does the SLU Breeding Network provide to researchers and students?

I was one of the initial founding members of the Planting Breeding Platform since 2014, the predecessor of the SLU Breeding Network. This platform enables the formation of communication between plant breeders among the three SLU faculties initially and now, including livestock breeders. The platform organised international meetings and visits to enhance international collaboration. The platform also promoted cross-faculty collaboration through pilot projects and joint workshops. For Postdocs and students, the platform facilitates their participation in international workshops and lectures.

How do you see the future of breeding research?

The recent genome assembly and sequencing in plant and tree species have facilitated a new breeding era: a molecular-designed breeding program. While genomics enhanced genetic progress in the last 15 years in livestock breeding and crop breeding through genetic modification, the breeding program in trees still heavily relies on traditional pedigree breeding value prediction.  Genomic selection will accelerate our tree breeding program in the next 10 to 20 years.

What advice would you give young researchers pursuing a career in breeding research?

Breeding works, and breeding research will have a great future. The productivity gain in crop yield was mainly from genetic improvement (at least 50%), and productivity gain in many animal breeding, particularly milk yield, mainly from genetic improvement in dairy cattle. Therefore, there will be a great future for plant and livestock breeders. For students/researchers aiming at breeding careers, it is important to have some training in statistics, quantitative genetics, and bioinformatics. It would enhance your job opportunity to organize some intern activity with breeding companies.