Title: Forest biotechnology: an extension of tree improvement

Authors: Robert C. Kellison, Claudio E. Balocchi, Sofia Valenzuela, Jaime Rodriguez

Addresses: Institute of Forest Biotechnology, 920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. ' Bioforest S.A., Camino a Coronel Km. 15 s/n, P.O. Box 70-C, Concepcion, Chile. ' Universidad de Concepcion Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Dpto. Silvicultura, Vicoria 631, Casilla 160-C, Concepcion, Chile. ' Universidad de Concepcion Facultad de Ciencias Forestales Laboratorio de Recursos, Removables, Casilla 160-C, Concepcion, Chile

Abstract: Forest genetics as a science has existed since the 1940s. With the depiction of the structure of DNA in 1953 by Watson and Crick, some forest geneticists were inspired to apply this knowledge to trees. Since that time the science of molecular biology has evolved considerably. This paper summarises the applications of biotechnology to trees, the traits and trials for genetically engineered trees, possible applications to trees, environmental and social benefit and biosafety.

Keywords: biosafety; flowering control; forest biotechnology; genetically engineered trees; lignin; molecular genetics; native forests; public acceptance; tree plantations; forest genetics; GM trees; genetically modified trees; biosafety; environmental impact.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2007.014271

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2007 Vol.9 No.5, pp.448 - 459

Published online: 28 Jun 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article