Recent Progress in the Molecular Investigations of Yellow Horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge)

Yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia bunge) is a small endemic oilseed energy plant native to the northern part of China, which can survive in desert, semi-arid and arid environment, and therefore has important economic, environmental and ecological value for biodiesel production, agricultural production and ecological restoration. With the increased concerns on the energy shortage and ecological environment change, yellow horn has won worldwide attention in recent years. However, the systematic molecular analysis of yellow horn using the advanced molecular biological techniques still remain limited. Considering this, we summarized the recent advances in the investigations of yellow horn at molecular level and discussed the future research directions and prospects. This review would provide guidance and open new horizons towards the futuristic development and prospects for further exploitation and utilization of yellow horn.