Abstract: Near isogenic lines were important base for the construction of molecular genetic maps, QTLs location and molecular markers-assisted breeding. There were several methods for the selection of near isogenic lines including selection by multiple continuous backcross, isolation from mutants, selection in the multiple continuous backcross combined with molecular markers and selection from the materials of higher generation.Progress on the selection and application of near isogenic lines of the important crops was described.Moreover,combined with characters of forest trees, an idea was put forward which was that plants of Salix with short cycle of growth should be selected for the establishment of near isogenic lines and would become a model species for the genetic improvement of forest trees on the base of the near isogenic lines of Salix.