Genetic thinking on ideal forest and its management

China is the country with the largest increase in forest resources in the world today. How to scientifically, ecologically and economically improve the stability of forest ecosystems and forest productivity on this basis, and fully leverage the multifunctional role of forests is a problem that the forestry industry in China must face for a considerable period of time in the future. This article firstly proposes a new concept of an ideal forest at genetic view based on sustainable utilization theory of forests, i.e., an ideal forest possesses a tree species composition and population genetic structure corresponding to the distribution area’s natural geography, in which the dominant tree species maintain rich population genetic diversity as well as self-thinning and natural regeneration capabilities. Forward allelic variation of target trait genes such as growth was highly aggregated, forming a forest with ecological adaptability and the highest productivity that matches its site condition in a shorter period. Then, an ideal forest management concept was proposed through analyzing the genetic characteristics of different forest types, which bases on the genetic and ecological principle, making full use of natural forces, such as natural selection, species competition and an interaction mechanism between organisms and environments, and taking certain artificial auxiliary measures to promote forest population genetic stability to cultivate healthy forests with high productivities. It is believed that the commercial forests with narrow genetic basis are suitable for intensive management of normal forest. However, the commercial forests with broad genetic basis are suitable for ideal forest management. Focused on the problem of forest genetic quality deterioration in China, a basic route of the ideal forest management that starting improved varieties, strengthening forest genetic foundation and promoting forest genetic progress to reshape forest genetic quality was put forward. It is suggested that we should aim at building the ideal forests by establishing a national forest management system, reconstructing the proportion of national public welfare forests, commercial forest and strict implementing sort management when the improved forest quality is conducted in the future. We should also strengthen the forest basic scientific research, and breeding, produce and use seeds according to seed zone division. The more national forests are cut, the better national forests grow under the condition of professional ideal forest management.