Forest Genetics Projects

As we are all aware, there has been substantial technical development over the last decade with respect to cloning forest trees and changing the genetics of plants with transgene technologies. Cloning techniques, such as simple grafting, go back far in our history, but with current tissue culture techniques in conifers, such as somatic embyrogenesis, genetic transformation using recombinant DNA technology is possible. Although there is substantial controversy, the commercial use of GM trees on crown land is not yet possible, or allowed. Federal regulations on the release of GM Trees, and the Province of B.C.'s position on the use of GM trees does not allow deployment. Although our research program utilizes many components of biotechnology (i.e., molecular genetics, vegetative propagation and experimentation with somatic embryogenisis) they only support the traditional breeding approach of recurrent selection. Moreover, it is not clear at this time if the economics and social acceptance of genetically modified trees will ever be such that they could be fully integrated into the breeding programs in B.C. It is a large and difficult question being debated by many countries and agencies; however, the technology is being developed and is being used in other countries.

For some further information on general issues and the role of biotechnology, two articles relevant to the application of biotechnology in B.C. are: