Applications of Biotech to Forest Products Development

The utility of biotech in enhancing the range of forestry products ranges from development of trees with enhanced resistance to insects and diseases to producing modified wood. However, Bob Kellison of the Institute of Forest Biotechnology in the United States, believes that the applications of biotech in forestry can go a lot further.

Kellison stated that other modified traits that may have greater impact include an increased ability for photosynthesis to help increase carbon sequestration in the atmosphere, and also traits that will help increase biomass production to supply bioenergy needs. There is also a need for research to develop trees with increased tolerance to abiotic stresses such as high salinity and drought. This will allow currently unsuitable land areas to be planted with forest tree species.

Though gains from biotechnology applications in forest trees may not be realized quickly due to the longer growth cycle of many species, Kellison believes that results will ultimately help to “support health and long life in an era when conventional crops will be insufficient to meet the needs of Earth’s expanding population.”

The complete article was published in Euphytica and accessible to subscribers at http://www.springerlink.com/content/72072834651383l4/