Conifer genetic engineering: Particle bombardment andAgrobacterium-mediated gene transfer and its application in future forests

Abstract

Many important advances in forest biotechnology have been made. The use of genetic transformation and the applications of transgenic trees in modern forestry is now an important field. Two basic methodologies particle bombardment andAgrobacterium-mediated transformation have been used on conifers. However, routine procedures exist for only a limited number of conifers. As a result only a few species have been successfully transformed into stable transgenic plants. The use of a particle bombardment has been more successful and transgenic plants have been produced inPicea abies, Picea glauca, Picea mariana, andPinus radiata, although the level of production of stable transgenic plants is lower than that ofAgrobacterium. At present, breeding programs have been directed toward improving bole shape, growth rate, wood properties, and quality, as well as toward improving root and shoot performance, pest resistance, stress tolerance, herbicide resistance, and ability to resist stresses, which will drive forestry to enter a new era of productivity and quality. This article provides a brief overiew of the current state of knowledge on genetic transformation in conifers.