Genetic Engineering In Forest Trees
Gene transfer, using recombinant DNA technology, can be used to engineer new, improved trees in a fraction of the time required by traditional breeding methods. Genetic engineering requires isolation of genes, their multiplication in bacteria, their transfer to tree cells, and regeneration of the transformed cells into new trees. Success has already been achieved in cloning conifer genes and in developing a transfer system, and several genes of potential value to forestry have been isolated from bacteria. The inability to regenerate conifers from transformed cells is the major remaining barrier to application of genetic engineering in tree improvement. Additional key words: Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Pinus lambertiana, Pinus taeda, Cronartium ribicola, genetic transformation, isozymes, heterozygosity, microinjection, recombinant DNA, biotechnology.
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Author(s): F. Thomas Ledig, Ronald R. Sederoff
Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 1985