Genes of woody plants involved in the formation of drought and salt tolerance

Background. The study of the molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression in response tovarioustypes of stress in woody plants,particularlydrought and high soil salinity,is becominganecessary condition for breeding orcreatingnew resistant cultivars, forms, and hybrids withspecificeconomically valuabletraits.Currently, the extent and depth of studying the genes involved in drought and high soil salinity tolerance in woody plants is extremely low compared to agricultural crops, which significantly complicates and slows down the breeding process that should be based on achievements in molecular biology and genetics. Purpose. To summarize, describe, and select potential genes involved in the formation of drought and salt tolerance in a range of woody plants used in agroforestry and protective afforestation, growing in areas with arid and semi-arid climates. Materials and methods. To achieve the research objectives, more than250 scientific sources were reviewed and a search in open gene databases was conducted to identify genes and their homologues databases using the BLAST program associated with drought and salt tolerance in woody plants used in agroforestry and protective afforestation. Results. This study summarizes and describes 28 genes associated with drought tolerance and 14 genes associated with salt tolerance in the genera Quercusand Populus, and the families Fabaceae, Rosaceae, and Oleaceae. Conclusion. Thus, as a result of the analysis of genes associated with drought and salt tolerance in woody plants, key targets have been identified that can serve as a basis for molecular selection, followed by the identification of potential markers and their possible association with economically valuabletraits.