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Genetic transformation of conifers and its application in forest biotechnology

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Abstract

Genetic modification of conifers through gene transfer technology is now an important field in forest biotechnology. Two basic methodologies, particle bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, have been used on conifers. The use of particle bombardment has produced stable transgenic plants in Picea abies, P. glauca, P. mariana, and Pinus radiata. Transgenic plants have been produced from Larix decidua, Picea abies, P. glauca, P. mariana, Pinus strobus, P. taeda, and P. radiata via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation has advantages over particle bombardment such as a simpler integration pattern and a limited rearrangement in the introduced DNA. At present, genetic transformation of conifers has been directed toward improving growth rate, wood properties and quality, pest resistance, stress tolerance, and herbicide resistance, which will drive forestry to enter a new era of productivity and quality.

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Abbreviations

35S :

35S promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus

4CL :

4-Coumarate–coenzyme A ligase

AEOMT :

Multi-functional O-methyltransferase

APHIS :

Animal Plant Health Inspection Agency

Bt :

Bacillus thuringensis toxin

CAld5H :

Coniferaldehyde 5-hydroxylase

CaMV :

Cauliflower mosaic virus

CAT :

Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase

EPSP :

5-Enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate

EPA :

Environmental Protection Agency

GFP :

Green fluorescent protein

GUS :

β-Glucuronidase

Luc :

luciferase

NPT :

Neomycin phosphotransferase

USDA :

US Department of Agriculture

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  1. Department of Biology, Howell Science Complex, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA

    W. Tang & R. J. Newton

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Tang, W., Newton, R.J. Genetic transformation of conifers and its application in forest biotechnology. Plant Cell Rep 22, 1–15 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-003-0670-1

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