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Forest tree biotechnology.

S A Merkle¹, J F Dean

¹Daniel B Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. smerkle@arches.uga.edu

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

|June 14, 2000

Summary

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Biotechnological advances enable mass propagation and lignin modification in commercial trees. Further research is needed to address environmental and social impacts of transgenic tree release.

Area of Science:

Forestry science
Plant biotechnology
Wood science

Background:

Recent biotechnological advancements are nearing commercial application for forest trees.
Somatic embryogenesis and gene transfer systems are key technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize recent progress in forest tree biotechnology.
To highlight advancements in clonal propagation and genetic modification.
To discuss the potential for altering wood properties, specifically lignin content.

Main Methods:

Utilizing advances in somatic embryogenesis for mass clonal propagation.
Developing efficient gene transfer systems for conifers and hardwoods.
Identifying natural mutants and engineering the lignin biosynthetic pathway.

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Main Results:

Mass clonal propagation of commercial trees is becoming a reality.
Efficient gene transfer has been achieved in various tree species.
Significant alterations in wood lignin quantity and quality are possible.

Conclusions:

Biotechnological manipulation offers significant potential for commercial forestry.
Environmental and social considerations of transgenic tree release require careful evaluation.
Further attention is needed to fully leverage these technologies responsibly.