Morphogenic genes in Eucalyptus transformation

Important results from the project

The goal of this project was to identify and test genetic transformation technologies based on morphogenic helper genes that can improve the transformation efficiency of different Eucalyptus clones relevant for the commercial use of tree biotechnology. These techniques are also considered to be relevant for other tree species such as poplar birch etc. Developments in recent years in agricultural crops show great potential for improvements in trees. The initial tests were positive for 2 of the 3 technologies tested and we are developing the positive technologies further.

Expected long term effects

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** We identified three morphogenic technologies that were judged to have a good chance of working in trees such as Eucalyptus. Two of these were first developed for agricultural crops and we secured access to these through an ag-biotech company, the third technology was based on RNA and was identified from our own tests based on published knowledge. After testing these three technologies, two of these proved give promising results on shoot formation and we are now evaluating these two further in 2023.

Approach and implementation

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** We constructed plasmid constructs for the selected technologies. Dessa DNA vectors were then used in transformation experiments with different Eucalyptus clones, to study the regeneration of new shoots. We also synthesized RNA based on one of the technologies that we applied directly to Eucalyptus tissue to analyze its effect. The shoot regeneration in these trials was read and we found that two of these technologies showed promising results on medium hard Eucalyptus clones.