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The future of our forests may depend on the genes in the trees
By Beth Forbes
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Purdue researchers are using genomics to study and improve hardwood trees. Charles Michler and Jeanne Romero-Severson use the black-boxed thermocyclers on the counter to replicate and amplify DNA. They are developing technology to identify superior trees at the seeding stage. (Photo by Tom Campbell). |
Purdue researchers are using genetic research to save some of the most valuable trees in the world, trees that are found in Indiana. "The mixed hardwood forest--located in the Midwest--is the number one forest sustainability issue right now facing our country," says Purdue quantitative genetics scientist Jeanne Romero-Severson.
Oak, walnut and cherry trees are valuable commodities both for economic and environmental reasons. The forest products industry contributes more than $4 billion each year to the state's economy and employs more than 59,000 people, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Oak trees harvested today were acorns a century ago. "Growing trees to maturity is not like growing corn or soybeans," Romero-Severson says. "It takes 100 years or more to grow them and just a few hours to cut them down."
Some northern red oaks, with a maximum life expectancy of 250 years, were here during colonial times. Due to the demand for fine hardwoods, these trees and other oaks are being used up faster than they can be replaced.
Loggers also are concerned that high-grading, a practice of constantly harvesting the best trees and leaving inferior trees behind, may be lessening the quality of future hardwood trees. "Younger trees may not be as good genetically because they are not being grown from the best stock," Romero-Severson says.
Because little previous work has been done to study the DNA of trees, researchers are starting at ground zero in investigating hardwood genetics.
Purdue researchers are using genomics, or the study of the genetic makeup, to learn more about the trees' qualities. Scientists are focusing their efforts on finding the genes responsible for traits such as straightness, growth rate, branch angles and the ratio of sapwood versus heartwood in a tree. These qualities determine the value of the timber for fine veneer, cabinetry and furniture.
Charles Michler, director of the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center at Purdue, says studying trees at the genetic level allows researchers to determine the best trees before they are planted. "We are developing genetic technology that will let us identify superior trees at the seedling stage, rather than waiting 15 to 20 years for the tree to mature," he says.
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