Tree Improvement

Abstract

Biotechnology is becoming an increasingly important component of the forest industry. Tree genetics offers the possibility to resolve the increased demands on forest resources through the development of trees more tolerant to diseases, pests, and chemicals, which have a detrimental impact on forest health. Phytoremediation is a unique application of genetically altered trees for cost-effective decontamination of toxic pollutants in soil. Phytoremediation depends upon the root uptake of contaminants which are then stored by the tree or degraded to less toxic compounds. Its advantages are that it works in situ using solar or green energy. The technique is less expensive than ex situ techniques; however, a long time factor may be involved there. The potential for phytoremediation includes the removal of naturally occurring selenium in irrigation water and the use of genetically altered Eucalyptus trees to absorb and metabolize air pollutants. However, for phytoremediation to become a viable technology, a more complete understanding of the process is essential. End products must be identified and the mechanism by which toxic materials are converted needs to be elucidated. Biotechnology, as applied to forest trees, is still a new science that requires answers to the numerous questions it continuously unveils.