Khalid Rehman Hakeem

Fellow Researcher

Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Forest

Biotechnology The future of forestry

• Biote h ology is more than genetic e gi eeri g (FAO, 2004).

• 81% of all biotechnology activities in forestry over the past ten years were not related to

genetic modification (Wheeler, 2004).

Why Biotechnology?

• Knowledge-based approach

• Offers unique solutions

• Integrates technology delivery

• Scale-neutral

• Does not displace traditional methods

• Environment-friendly

• Portable - across crops

• Versatile - impact on all facets of food chain from producers to consumers

Why Biotechnology in Forestry ?

• Global trade pressure

• Human population growth and demand

• Land converted out of forests

• Climate change, biofuels, illegal logging,

i vasive th eats…. Bottom line

Unsustainable demands on current forests

Forests are under extreme pressures

Type Period

Wild forests 10,000 B.C.–current

Managed forests 100 B.C.–current

Planted forests 1800–current

Planted, Intensively managed 1960–current

Planted, Superior trees, Traditional breeding techniques 1970–current

Planted, Superior trees, Genetic modification 1999?–future

Transitions In Forest Management and

Harvests

Distribution of reported forest biotechnology activities

(excluding genetic modification) by world region

Activities were reported in 76 countries

( Compilation of 2 196 references, until 2010, FAO)

Distribution of reported forest biotechnology activities

(excluding genetic modification) by country

15 countries most represented, making up 77 % (excluding genetic modification)

•Developed countries (24 countries, representing 68 % of biotechnology activities) and

Developing countries and countries in transition (52 countries, or 32 % of activities).

•Developing countries and countries in transition were mainly represented by India (27 %

of these ou tries’ a tivities , Chi a 17 % , Brazil 7 % , “outh Afri a 5 % a d Malaysia (4 %).

Distribution of reported forestry biotechnology activities,

excluding genetic modification, by genus

Species surveyed belonged to 142 botanical genera

•Establishment of genetically-improved families or clones.

•Conservation use for those species that are at risk, rare,

endangered or of special cultural, economic or ecological value

(Benson, 2003)

a) Micropropagation

Micropropagation refers to the in vitro vegetative multiplication

of selected plant genotypes, using organogenesis and/or

somatic embryogenesis. Approximately 34% of all

biotechnology activities reported in forestry over the past ten

years related to propagation (Chaix and Monteuuis, 2004;

Wheeler, 2004).

b) Organogenesis and Embryogenesis

Successful embryogenesis was first reported for sweetgum

(Liquidambar styraciflua) in 1980 (Sommer and Brown, 1980)

and for spruce (Picea abies) in the mid-1980s (Hakman and von

Arnold, 1985; Chalupa 1985).

Forest biotechnologies can be classified in many, but here

they are grouped under five major categories.

(Trontin et al., 2007)

1.PROPAGATION ( large-scale, low-cost reproduction of some types of genetically improved germplasma )

Categories of biotechnologies used in

forest tree micropropagation

Main objectives of reported studies on forest

tree genetic diversity

2. CHARACTERIZATION OF GENETIC DIVERSITY: POPULATION GENETICS

AND DIVERSITY STUDIES

The use of molecular descriptors (markers) of the genome has allowed the measurement of

genetic variation between genotypes and within/between populations, as well as the

effectiveness of seed and pollen dispersal.

Estimating and studying the evolution

of genetic variability over time;

• assessi g effe tive populatio sizes;

• studyi g iologi al e ha is s of reproduction, either in natural

populations or in improved

populations (in selection

programmes);

• studyi g polle pollutio i tree seed production areas (seed stands or seed

orchards) or in the context of GM

trees.

•In the past decade, the development of molecular

markers based directly on DNA polymorphisms has

largely replaced allozymes for most practical and

scientific applications.

•Fifteen years of research around the globe has

both tempered and rejuvenated this prospect.

•Currently, research on another approach to

identifying QTLs (quantitative trait loci) using

natural populations rather than pedigrees is

receiving increasing attention in forestry and

agriculture. This technology, called association

genetics, proposes finding markers that tag the

actual genetic variants that cause a phenotypic

response (i.e. markers occurring within the gene of

interest) (Neale and Savolainen, 2004). This

approach holds great promise for MAS and MAB,

and applications within forestry are possible within

the next ten years.

Distribution of molecular

markers used in forest

biotechnology activities,

excluding genetic

modification

3. MARKER ASSISTED SELECTION (MAS) AND MARKER ASSISTED

BREADING (MAB)

Distribution of the main traits targeted in marker-assisted selection studies

4. Genomics, Metabolomics, Proteomics (-Omics)

Genomics is the branch of molecular biology concerned with the

structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes.

•The completion of a whole-genome sequence

for Populus trichocarpa (Tuskan et al., 2006) has laid the

foundation for reaching this goal for a model species.

•The immediate applications of genomics include ;

a) identification of candidate genes for association

studies and targets for genetic modification studies

b) comparative studies of genes from different trees

have revealed the great similarity among taxa

throughout the conifers, and raise hope that what is

learned from one species will benefit many others.

Proteomics is the large-scale study of the proteins expressed by an

organism, particularly protein structure and function.

E.G: a proteomic study with somatic embryogenesis in

Picea glauca identified a number of differentially

expressed proteins across different stages of

embryogenesis (Lippert et al., 2005). The knowledge gained from such experiments may help to better

understand and manipulate the process of embryogenesis.

Methodological approaches

associated with mapping,

marker-assisted selection and

genomics (MMG) in forestry

Our Projects: (Faculty of Forestry, UPM) [on going]

(Principal Investigator)

Putra Grant, UPM-Malaysia (2014-2015) No. UPM/700-1/2/Geran

Putra. Mappi g the proteome of thick-walled and rapidly

growing bamboo for the development of thick walled bamboo

plantlets. (RM 118,000)

(As Co- Principal Investigator)

eSciencefund (MOSTI), Malaysia. (2014-2016) No. UPM0008249

Proteomics identification of gaharu synthesis enzymes in

pathogen-induced Aquilaria for the production of high-impact

compounds . (RM 340,000)

4. Genomics, Metabolomics, Proteo i s Co t….

Metabolomics is the syste ati study of the u i ue he i al fi ge p i ts that spe ifi ellula p o esses leave ehi d - specifically, the study of their small molecule metabolite

profiles. The metabolome represents the collection of all metabolites in a biological

organism, which are the end products of its gene expression.

•Excellent tool for determining the phenotype caused by a genetic manipulation,

such as gene deletion or insertion ( To detect any phenotypic changes in a

genetically modified tree, and to compare this with the naturally occurring

variation in a tree population)

• It can also be used to understand variation that is induced by various factors

such as genetic or environmental factors. For example, a metabolomic study

with field-planted Douglas fir found that environmental variation was greater

than genetic variation (Robinson et al., 2007).

4. Genomics, Metabolomics, Proteo i s Co t….

Our Project: (Faculty of Forestry, UPM) [on going]

Co-Researcher, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), Malaysia. (2015-2017)

Assess e t of tree spe ies diversity a d their he i al o stitue ts a ross i tertidal zo es at different locations of mangrove ecosystem in Peninsular Malaysia . (RM 137,000)

•The first regeneration of a genetically modified (GM)

forest tree was achieved in 1986 in Populus.

•The first attempt to genetically modify a conifer (Larix)

was reported in 1991 (Huang et al. 1991).

•Introducing targeted genes into the genome of a forest

tree is a way to obtain GM plants. It is also a basic

research tool for a better understanding of gene

functioning in woody plants. However, Genetic

modification is frequently seen as the most

controversial use of biotechnology (Dale, 1999;

Stewart, Richards and Halfhill, 2000;

ThompsonCampbell, 2000; Dale, Clarke and Fontes,

2002; Conner, Glare and Nap, 2003; Burdon and Walter,

2004; Walter, 2004a, b; Walter and Fenning, 2004).

•In vitro regeneration of transformed plants is still a

technical limitation for many species and genotypes

•Commercializing GM trees is nowadays a hot topic

among forest scientists and ecologists.

Distribution of reported forest

tree genetic modification

research activities by genus

5. GENETIC MODIFICATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING

Main reported objectives of research activities in forest tree genetic modification

Proportion of biotechnology activities, by major categories, indicated in the public

domain (from Chaix and Monteuuis, FAO, 2004)

Overall trends in Forest Biotechnology

THE ROLE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN TREE IMPROVEMENT IN

COMMERCIAL FORESTRY

Important Attributes:

• Growth rates

• Disease and pest resistance

• Climate range and adaptability

• Tree form and wood fiber quality: straightness of the

trunk, absence of large or excessive branching, amount of

taper in the trunk.

• Desired fiber characteristics may relate to ease in

processing, e.g., the break-down of wood fibers in

chemical processing.

Forest biotechnology: more than wood production

There are benefits from forest biotechnology aside from tree growth

and plantation yield.

•PHYTOREMEDIATION

•AFFORESTATION

•SPECIES RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION

Heritage trees

•BIOCHEMICAL PROCESSING

Biofuels

Phytochemicals (Health and beauty)

Fragrances and essential oils

Paper manufacture

Forest genetic modification activities worldwide

•Worldwide, more than 210 field trials of genetically modified (GM) trees exist in 16

countries, but the great majority occurs in the United States.

•Field trials of GM trees are restricted largely to four genera (Populus, 51 percent;

Pinus, 23 percent; Liquidambar,11 percent; and Eucalyptus, 7 percent).

•Approximately half of all reported tree genetic modification activities are related to

methods development (e.g. gene stability, gene expression) or basic biological

questions (e.g. functional genomics, tissue culture).

•Of the remaining activities, herbicide tolerance (13 percent), biotic resistance (12

percent), wood chemistry (9 percent) and fertility issues (6 percent) dominate the

most studied groups of traits.

•Only China has reported the commercial release of GM trees (ca 1.4

million plants on 300–500 ha in 2002). These releases followed two

stages of field trials and required government regulatory approval.

•Overall, genetic modification activities in forestry occur in at least 35 countries and

Populus remains the most commonly studied tree genus (52 % of activities).

Potential benefits of using biotech trees

1. Enhance bio-based products

2. Combat invasive threats (Engineering trees so they are more resilient

to changing climates and are better able to defend against foreign pests)

3. Maximize forest productivity

4. Replenish resources

Potential risks of using biotech trees

1. Gene flow and introgression

2. Exceptional fitness

3. Effects on non-target species

4. Biodiversity effects

Regulation for genetically modified forest

reproductive material moving in international trade

•Genetically modified forest trees first arose in 1987, when the first

transgenic poplar was produced.

•In 1999, Council Directive 1999/105/EC (EC, 1999) of the EU was

enforced as the first regional regulation, and included rules for the

marketing of genetically modified forest material moving in

international trade.

•The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and

Development (OECD) Scheme as the second regulatory scheme

(OECD, 2007) contains no special rules for genetically modified

material, although the countries participating in the Scheme have

been working actively towards establishing such rules. Their

acceptance has been blocked by a lack of unanimous agreement.

Society can address the appropriate use of

this technology;

1. laws and regulations,

2. certification programs,

3. Industrial pledges.

How biotech trees are controlled ?

How biotech trees are controlled ?

Level 1 – Confined to the lab or greenhouse

Level 2 – Field trials with oversight

Level 3 – Released for planting with monitoring

requirements

Level 4 – Released for planting without

monitoring requirements

Society Demands Sustainability

We need sustainably managed trees for communication,

packaging, housing, food, and renewable energy.

Currently the world does not have enough sustainably

managed forests to fill all these needs.

So, In conclusion

FOREST BIOTECHNOLOGY COULD BE A

WONDERFUL TOO TO FULFILL THESE

DEMANDS.

Summary and Conclusion

•Currently, forests are in a great threat due to number of natural as well as anthropogenic factors.

However, due to the development of newer technologies (Biotechnology), there is a great potential

in increasing and enhancing the forest productivity.

•Current applications of biotechnology to forestry are modest, especially when compared to

agriculture or pharmaceuticals. However, the potential for application of biotechnology to forestry

and forest plantations is great.

•The application of biotechnology and genetic manipulation to forestry would simply be an

additional step in the long-term transition toward producing industrial wood as a crop.

•As regards the developing countries and countries with economies in transition, there are few

references available on their involvement in forestry biotechnology. The limited literature mainly

refers to micropropagation in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and India. Malaysia has a reported

strong oil palm molecular biology programme, including genetic modification, however, the same is

missing for the forests.

•However, some emerging countries with advanced financial, institutional and human capacities

(including Brazil, India and China) have made significant breakthroughs in advanced forest

biotechnology.

•Finally, laws and regulations are must to the guide the technology delivery , however, scientific

merit should be seen as the basis of the acceptance or rejection of any technology. Biotechnology

has a great potential in Forestry science in coming future.

References

http://www.fao.org/docrep/008/ae574e/AE574E06.htm

ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/008/ae574e/ae574e00.pdf

http://ga2014.fsc.org/opinion-analysis-70.gm-trees-a-polarized-topic-

perhaps-on-the-edge-of-commercialization

http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/i1699e/i1699e.pdf

http://www.rff.org/files/sharepoint/WorkImages/Download/RFF-DP-00-

06.pdf

www.foresthealthinitiative.org.