CORVALLIS, Ore. Forest scientists at Oregon State University have used genetic modification to successfully manipulate the growth in height of trees, showing that its possible to create miniature trees that look similar to normal trees but after several years of growth may range anywhere from 50 feet tall to a few inches.
This is a proof of concept that tree height can be readily controlled by genetic engineering techniques. It opens the door to a wide variety of new products for the ornamental and nursery industries, experts say, if regulatory hurdles can be overcome a big if.
The findings were recently published in the journal Landscape Plant News.
From a science perspective, this is a very interesting accomplishment and theres no doubt it could be made to work, said Steven Strauss, a professor of forest science at OSU.
But further development may be precluded by social, legal and regulatory obstacles, he said. Clearly there would be concerns whether the market for specialty tree products such as this would be strong enough to make it worth the large investments of time, money and testing that current regulation of genetically modified organisms would require, at least in the U.S.
That aside, he said, it appears that with further research and development programs, it would indeed be possible to create an elm tree which ordinarily would grow to 100 feet or more that is only five feet tall at maturity, a charming addition that would fit nicely on a backyard deck. Or a 30-foot version that might be a better fit on urban streets. Or, in fact, just about any height in between. Other changes can also affect foliage shapes or color in very attractive ways, and some might have value in cleaning up environmental pollution.
In their studies, OSU scientists were able to create young poplar trees, which grow rapidly and can reach a mature height of 150 feet or more, that were anywhere from about 15 feet to
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Contact: Steven Strauss
steve.strauss@oregonstate.edu
541-737-6578
Oregon State University
18-Jun-2007