Scientists from the Swedish Academy of Agriculture, the University of Oregon, and the two institutes recently discovered the molecular mechanisms that control the flowering and seed formation of genes that stop the growth and dormancy of trees in the fall. An important step has been taken in the field of basic genetics of tree growth. The research results were published in the famous magazine Nature. Through the study of the genes controlling the physiological processes of plant flowering and other results, it is possible to use genetic engineering methods to transform those trees that have been slow-growing prior to their formation into tree species that are easy to flower and reproduce quickly. Slow growth of trees before seed formation has been a major obstacle to the type of breeding. The study has brought new opportunities for the development of intensive forestry and fruit tree planting. Previously, researchers did not know which genes were involved in the flowering of the starting trees or the process of stopping the growth in the fall. In theory, this research will actively promote the development of tree breeding technology. For trees with long growing periods before seed formation, most breeding techniques for short-lived plants such as corn, wheat, etc. appear to be too slow and impractical. This is followed by the public’s understanding of the nature and safety of genetic engineering technology for tree species. The related management of private companies and government agencies has limited research interest in this area. These genes promote the development of traditional breeding techniques, and genes are removed before they form commercial plants. However, the management and concern of genetic engineering technology may hinder the practical application of this technology. Scientists have conducted studies on the first isolated CO and FT genes from the annual plant, Arabidopsis. These genes regulate the long-lasting flowering process of this plant. The study found that the two genes were very conservative in the single evolution of millions of years and even showed similar functions in poplar species. However, surprisingly, the CO/FT gene combination can regulate the growth of nourishing tree species in the fall. These processes reflect the critical balance between tree growth and survival. Temperate tree species must stop growing and enter hibernation in winter, otherwise they will be frozen to death. From an evolutionary point of view, it is not difficult to understand why the forest tree species will not flower prematurely; when the trees are young, they must concentrate on nutrition and grow long enough to compete with other trees for sunlight; only when they enter the later stages of life can they concentrate on nutrient-forming seeds. The researchers stated that, for the same reason, the release of any early-flowering genes into the wild population will not cause ecological problems because trees that carry these early-flowering genes exhibit a competitive disadvantage when they grow along with wild-type forest species. As a result of the large-scale spread of early flowering genes, the CO/FT gene combination is also conducive to tree species adapting to local environmental conditions. Studies on poplars of different populations have found that tree species adapted to the cold northern climate will stop growing early in the summer and prepare for the winter. This gene regulation mechanism is very strong. Reproductive placing this tree in a warm area can not change its original behavior. In applied research, researchers can now induce premature activation of the FT gene, causing the tree species to form seeds earlier to reproduce, which is much better than using traditional genetic manipulation. It is possible that some dominant trait strains will be rapidly cultivated through normal sexual reproduction to remove the FT gene from the plant and not lead to premature abnormal reproduction of the plant. The milder FT gene can produce a sustained beneficial effect, such as the production of early flowering or flowering fruit trees. Especially when the traditional method is ineffective, the gene can provide new options for the optimization of flowering and fruit yield. A better understanding of the physiological processes such as the flowering of these tree species is helpful in answering the question of how tree species respond to and adapt to changes in the environment. At the same time, DNA-based detection techniques can help identify endangered tree populations that may be rapidly bred or transplanted. Benefit from it. This also provides ecologists and environmental geneticists with more powerful tools.
Scalpel Blades,Surgical Blade,Safety Scalpel,Surgery Blade
Surgimed Medical Supplies Co.,Ltd , http://www.surgimedcn.com