Abstract: This paper gives on overall review on the latest advances in research on tree genetic improvement in the world by analysing the pepers published in SILVAE GENETICA in recent 20 years (1971 ～1990). The distinguishing featrue of the tree genetic improvemnet in the world is as follows: (1)Research field is becoming more and more wide; (2) Experiment methods have made great improvements ; (3 )Levels of research in different countries are obviously different. drawing on the experience of advanced countries, the strategy and orientation of China’s research efforts are recommended to promote the development of tree impromental works in the future.