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Ecological and population genetics research imperatives for transgenic trees

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Abstract

Applied research that supplies requisite, albeit incomplete, scientific knowledge is necessary if we are to address the legal, regulatory, and social/ethical issues regarding the use of transgenic trees. The technology for creating these trees has gotten far ahead of research on the ecological and population genetics impacts that may emerge. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive, interdisciplinary scientific approach that combines experimental results with model projections. We believe that much of this work must be completed before social issues can be clarified and resolved. Broad-based failure by those in the forestry-minded scientific community to carry out this interdisciplinary research could lead either to the establishment of transgenic trees with unintended consequences, or to an inability to realize the numerous advantages that this technology may offer.

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Notes

  1. Transgenes are generally hemizygous and, therefore, usually segregate at a 1:1 ratio when outcrossing with non-transgenic trees. Therefore, migration rates of a particular transgene are ∼50% of the immigration rate for all trees with a parent in the transgenic stand (Ellstrand 2003). However, some researchers, e.g., Snow et al. (1999), have reported that not all transgenic lines segregate at that 1:1 ratio. This could be the result of multiple inserts. Thus situation-specific studies may be needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Timberlands Technology Research and Development, Weverhaeuser Company, WTC 1A5, PO Box 9777, Federal Way, WA, 98063-9777, USA

    Peter Farnum

  2. National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI), Research Triangle Park, P.O. Box 13318, North Carolina, NC, 27709, USA

    Al Lucier

  3. Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State Street, Pfender Hall, West Lafayette, IN, 47907–2061, USA

    Richard Meilan

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Correspondence to Peter Farnum.

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Farnum, P., Lucier, A. & Meilan, R. Ecological and population genetics research imperatives for transgenic trees. Tree Genetics & Genomes 3, 119–133 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11295-006-0063-z

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