Molecular mechanisms of seasonal adaptation in perennial trees: Implications for biotechnology-driven breeding

Perennial trees have evolved sophisticated adaptive strategies to synchronize their activity-dormancy cycles with seasonal environmental changes, a process governed primarily by photoperiod and temperature. Understanding the molecular circuitry underlying this phenological plasticity is essential for developing biotechnological strategies to improve tree resilience and productivity. This review synthesizes cutting-edge insights into the genetic and epigenetic networks that orchestrate the successive phases of the activity-dormancy cycle, including dormancy induction, establishment, maintenance, and release, in perennial trees. We systematically explore the role of plasmodesmata in regulating cell-to-cell signaling. A particular focus is the regulatory dynamics of the vascular cambium and its integration with apical dormancy events. By critically evaluating recent advances, we identify critical knowledge gaps and propose future research directions in this field. The work provides a fundamental molecular framework for accelerating the engineering of tree cultivars with improved growth traits and climate resilience, supporting more sustainable forest and orchard management. • Multilayered network controlling tree activity-dormancy cycles. • SVL as a central hub integrating hormonal and environmental signals. • The roles of epigenetic memory and plasmodesmata in dormancy regulation. • In-depth analysis of the understudied vascular cambium dormancy cycle. • Key knowledge gaps and integrative strategies.