Gene Discovery Could Lead to More Resilient Trees

Researchers from Oregon State University and Michigan Technological University have discovered the function of a gene involved in controlling the awakening of trees from winter dormancy. This discovery is vital in the ability of the trees in adjusting to environmental changes caused by climate change. The study is published in the latest edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Trees are equipped with genes that can help them adjust to current climate conditions. However, climate models suggest that future temperature and precipitation patterns may expose trees to stressful conditions. Thus, OSU forest biotechnology professor Steve Strauss investigated on genes in trees involved in adapting to warmer temperatures. The research team found the function of bud-breaking gene (EBB1) which is an initial step towards engineering the adaptability of trees to climate change.

The team developed genetically engineered trees that overexpressed EBB1 which exhibited early dormancy compared to those trees with less EBB1."The absence of EBB1 during dormancy allows the tree to progress through thephysiological, developmental and adaptive changes leading to dormancy," said Victor Busov of MTU, "while the expression of EBB1 in specific cell layers prior to bud-break enables reactivation of growth in the cells that develop into shoots and leaves, and re-entry into the active growth phase of the tree."

Read more at http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2014/jun/discovery-bud-break-gene-could-lead-trees-adapted-changing-climate/.