Tree breeding, a necessary complement to genetic engineering

Abstract

The fields of tree breeding and genetic engineering can be perceived as being antagonistic towards each other-genetic engineers suggesting that tree breeding is too slow and expensive and tree breeders suggesting that genetic engineering is not practical and too expensive. We argue here that both fields have much to offer forestry and the success of each is intimately tied to the other. The major purposes of genetic engineering in forestry are described as well as the importance of evaluating tree engineering initiatives in the context of tree improvement and silviculture and integrating genetic engineering with tree breeding from start to finish. A generalized approach is developed that meets these requirements and demonstrates the interrelationships between the activities and phases of each program. In addition, a case study of the American chestnut (Castanea dentata) is provided to underscore the value of integrating genetic engineering and tree breeding programs to achieve a long-term conservation goal.

Keywords: Biotechnology; Forest genetics; Genetic modification; Reforestation; Restoration; Tree improvement.