Transformation is a major bottleneck for genetic engineering and gene editing in forest tree species. This includes most genotypes of Populus and Eucalyptus, which are some of the world’s most widely-cultivated genera of plantation forest trees. To provide new tools for transformation, I tested the transcription factor-protein chimera consisting of...
This dissertation consists of four studies of Populus and Eucalyptus biotechnology and genomic science: 1) induction of floral sterility by tapetal expression of the ribonuclease Barnase in Populus; 2) CRISPR Cas9-mediated gene editing targeting LEAFY (LFY) and AGAMOUS (AG) homologs in Populus; 3) induction of floral sterility by CRISPR Cas9...
An impediment to use of exotic and bioengineered trees in many places is their propensity for spread by pollen and/or seeds. Our laboratory has been using gene editing to induce mutations in floral genes as means to impart stable and reliable genetic containment when this is desirable from social (markets,...
Septoria canker remains the most important disease of poplars in intensively managed forest plantations. Genetic resistance has long been considered the best way to manage for this disease. Transgenic resistance mediated by RNA silencing against pathogens and pests (HIGS: host-induced gene silencing) has shown promise in other pathosystems but has...