A method for introducing new genetic traits to woody plants that does not require tissue culture (in vitro) procedures.
Background :
Genetic engineering (transformation) is a powerful tool for introducing new traits to plants. However, it generally requires a set of tissue culture protocols that can be unique to each plant species for which it is applied. Some plant species, including commercially valuable woody plants such as shrub willow (Salix spp.), are recalcitrant to tissue culture and, therefore, have not previously been amenable to genetic engineering.
Technology Overview :
This technology introduces a novel "ex vitro" transformation method that utilizes Agrobacterium rhizogenes to genetically modify the roots of woody plants without the necessity for tissue culture. This approach initiates transformation by directly infecting the roots, after which transformed shoots can be identified and selected. These shoots are grown into fully transgenic plants exhibiting uniform genetic modification. Initially demonstrated with Poplar, a model woody species, the method is being expanded to other commercially valuable plants, such as shrub willow. By eliminating the labor-intensive, technically challenging tissue culture stage, this method accelerates the development of genetically engineered trees. Its adaptability to species traditionally resistant to transformation marks a significant advancement in plant biotechnology. The approach is both cost-effective and scalable, providing a practical solution for producing transgenic trees at higher throughput and enabling broader applications across the forestry and agricultural sectors.
Advantages :
Applications :
Intellectual Property Summary : Patent Pending
Stage of Development : TRL 5
Licensing Status : This technology is available for licensing.
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