Molecular Biology of Woody Plants


Book Description

This two-volume book gives a broad coverage of various aspects of plant molecular biology relevant to the improvement of woody plants. The authors provide background information on genetic engineering and molecular marker techniques, and specific examples of species in which sufficient progress has been made.




Molecular Biology of Woody Plants


Book Description

Woody plants belong to various taxonomic groups, which are heterogeneous in morphology, physiology, and geographic distribution. OtheJWise, they have neither strong evolutionruy relationships nor share a conunon habitat. They are a primaIy source of fiber and timber, and also include many edible fruit species. Their unique phenotypic behavior includes a perennial habit associated with extensive secondary growth. Additional characteristics of woody plants include: developmental juvenility and maturity with respect to growth habit, flowering time, and morphogenetic response in tissue cultures; environmental control of bud dormancy and flowering cycles; variable tolerance to abiotic stresses, wounding and pathogens; and long distance transport of water and IRltrients. Woody plants, particularly tree species, have been the focus of numerous physiological studies to understand their specialized functions, however, only recently they have become the target of molecular studies. Recent advances in our understanding of signal transduction pathways for environmental responses in herbaceous plants, including the identification and cloning of genes for proteins involved in signal transduction. should provide useful leads to undertake parallel studies with woody plants. Molecular mapping techniques, coupled with the availability of cloned genes from herbaceous plants, should provide shortcuts to cloning relevant genes from woody plants. The unique phenotypes of these plants can then be targeted for improvement through genetic engineering.







Genetic Manipulation of Woody Plants


Book Description

This Volume contains the papers presented by twenty-eight invited speakers at the symposium entitled, "Genetic Manipulation of Woody Plants," held at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, from June 21-25, 1987. Also included are abstracts of contributed poster papers presented during the meeting. That the molecular biology of woody plants is a rapidly expanding field is attested to by the large attendance and high level of enthusiasm generated at the conference. Leading scientists from throughout the world discussed challenging problems and presented new insights into the devel opment of in vitro culture systems, techniques for DNA analysis and manipulation, gene vector systems, and experimental systems that will lead to a clearer understanding of gene expression and regulation for woody plant species. The presence at the conference of both invited speakers and other scientists who work with nonwoody plant species also added depth to the discussions and applicability of the information presented at the conference. The editors want to commend the speakers for their well-organized and informative talks, and feel particularly indebted to the late Dr. Alexander Hollaender and others on the planning committee who assist ed in the selection of the invited speakers. The committee consisted of David Burger (University of California, Davis), Don J. Durzan (University of California, Davis) , Bruce Haissig (U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service), Stanley Krugman (U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service) , Ralph Mott (North Carolina State University), Otto Schwarz (Univer.sity of Tennessee, Knoxville), and Roger Timmis (Weyerhaeuser Company).




Physiology of Woody Plants


Book Description

Woody plants such as trees have a significant economic and climatic influence on global economies and ecologies. This completely revised classic book is an up-to-date synthesis of the intensive research devoted to woody plants published in the second edition, with additional important aspects from the authors' previous book, Growth Control in Woody Plants. Intended primarily as a reference for researchers, the interdisciplinary nature of the book makes it useful to a broad range of scientists and researchers from agroforesters, agronomists, and arborists to plant pathologists and soil scientists. This third edition provides crutial updates to many chapters, including: responses of plants to elevated CO2; the process and regulation of cambial growth; photoinhibition and photoprotection of photosynthesis; nitrogen metabolism and internal recycling, and more. Revised chapters focus on emerging discoveries of the patterns and processes of woody plant physiology. * The only book to provide recommendations for the use of specific management practices and experimental procedures and equipment*Updated coverage of nearly all topics of interest to woody plant physiologists* Extensive revisions of chapters relating to key processes in growth, photosynthesis, and water relations* More than 500 new references * Examples of molecular-level evidence incorporated in discussion of the role of expansion proteins in plant growth; mechanism of ATP production by coupling factor in photosynthesis; the role of cellulose synthase in cell wall construction; structure-function relationships for aquaporin proteins




Stress Physiology of Woody Plants


Book Description

This book addresses the importance woody plants have in agriculture, forestry, and the environment and how various stresses affect their performance. It reviews physiological and molecular responses of woody plants to major environmental stresses and focuses on the mechanisms involved in imparting resistance to stress. Chapters cover basics of plant physiology including plant structure and plant growth, photosynthesis, respiration, plant growth regulation, abiotic and biotic plant stresses including drought, water logging, nutrient deficiency, salinity, chilling, freezing, heat, oxidative stress, and heavy metal toxicity.




Molecular Biology of Woody Plants: 1. Gene transfer techniques and their relevance to woody plants; S.C. Minocha, J.C. Wallace. 2. Selection of marker-free transgenics plants using the oncogenes (ipt, rol A, B, C) of Agrobacterium as selectable markers; H. Ebinuma, et al. 3. Agrobacterium rhizogenes for rooting recalcitrant woody species; H.M. Haggman, T.S. Aronen. 4. Genetic engineering of conifers for plantation forestry Pinus radiata transformation; C. Walter, L.J. Grace. 5. Transformation of Picea species; D.H. Clapham, et al. 6. Transgenic in Larix; M.A. Lelu, G. Pilate. 7. Genetic transformation of Populus toward improving plant performance and drought tolerance; T. Tzfira, et al. 8. Progress on genetic engineering in four tropical Acacia spp.; M. Quoirin, et al. 9. Genetic engineering of rose (Rosa species); M.R. Davey, et al. 10. Transformation of Actinidia species (kiwifruit); E. Rugini, et al. 11. Genetic transformation in Citrus; G.A. Moore, et al. 12. Olive (Olea europaea var. sativa) transformation; E. Rugini. 13. Transformation of Malus; F.A. Hammerschlag. 14. Genetic transformation of Hevea brasiliensis (rubber trees) and its applications towards crop improvement and production of recombinant proteins of commercial value; P. Arokiaraj. 15. Production of Transgenic oil palm (Elaeis guinensis JACQ.). using biolistic techniques; G. Kadir, A. Parveez. Section B. 16. Molecular characterization of the mycorrhizas of woody plants; S. Hambleton, R.S. Currah. 17. Molecular epidemiology tree pathogens; R.C. Hamelin. 18. Development of insect resistance in fruit and nut tree crops; M. Escob, A.M. Dandekar. 19. Structural and biochemical aspects of cold hardiness in woody plants; M. Wisniewski, R. Arora. 20. Herbicide tolerant forest trees; D.J. Llewellyn. 21. Cloning of defense related genes against pathogens in forest trees; G. Lakshmi Sita, et al. Section C. 22. Research Ethics for Molecular Silviculture; P.B. Thompson, S.H. Strauss


Book Description




Cell and Molecular Biology of Wood Formation


Book Description

The application of modern molecular biology techniques is providing new insight into wood formation and the seasonal nature of secondary growth in perennial woody plant species. Extensively illustrated, this new book provides a comprehensive and critical overview of current understanding about the biology of wood formation, with a focus on the development, regulation and biochemistry of cambial growth supplemented by additional considerations of the fundamental factors determining forest productivity, wood quality and heartwood formation.




Biodiversity and Conservation of Woody Plants


Book Description

This book provides complete, comprehensive, and broad subject-based reviews for students, teachers, researchers, policymakers, conservationists, and NGOs interested in the biodiversity and conservation of woody plants. Forests cover approximately 31 percent of the world’s total landmass; 93 percent is natural forest and only 7 percent consists of planted trees. Forest decline is progressing at an alarming rate worldwide. In addition to human activities (logging, deforestation, and exploiting forest lands for agriculture and industrial use), a number of other factors – including pests and diseases, drought, soil acidity, radiation, and ozone – are cumulatively contributing to global forest decline. The present situation forces us to focus on forest conservation strategies for the present and future. Gene conservation and maintaining genetic diversity in forest ecosystems are crucial to the preservation of forest genetic resources. This calls for integrated action to implement both the in situ (on site) preservation of forest stands and ex situ (distant from the original site) strategies for the conservation of woody plants’ genetic resources. Selected priority areas include: 1) assessing patterns of genetic diversity and threats, 2) understanding the biological processes regulating genetic diversity, 3) assessing the impact of human activities and climate change on genetic diversity, and 5) finding methods for prioritizing species and populations for the conservation of forest trees genetic resources. All chapters were written by leading scientists in their respective fields, which include: woody plant diversity, ecology and evolution; assessment of genetic diversity in forest tree populations; conservation planning under climate change; and in situ and ex situ strategies, including biotechnological approaches, for the conservation of woody plants genetic resources.




Wood Formation in Trees


Book Description

Trees are a major component of the biosphere and have played an important part in the world's history and culture. With the modern challenges of global warming and dwindling fossil fuel reserves, trees, and in particular their wood, can provide solutions. Unfortunately, too little is known about the biology of these plants, due largely to a lack of