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.

1. Khalid Rehman Hakeem
Fellow Researcher
Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Forest
Biotechnology
The future of forestry

2. • 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).

3. 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

7. 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

8. 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

10. 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)

11. 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 %).

12. Distribution of reported forestry biotechnology activities,
excluding genetic modification, by genus
Species surveyed belonged to 142 botanical genera

13. •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

14. 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.

15. •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)

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

17. 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

18. 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….

19. 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)

21. •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

22. Main reported objectives of research activities in forest tree genetic modification

23. Proportion of biotechnology activities, by major categories, indicated in the public
domain (from Chaix and Monteuuis, FAO, 2004)
Overall trends in Forest Biotechnology

24. 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.

25. 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

26. Forest genetic modification activities worldwide

27. •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).

28. 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

29. 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.

30. Society can address the appropriate use of
this technology;
1. laws and regulations,
2. certification programs,
3. Industrial pledges.
How biotech trees are controlled ?

31. 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

32. 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.

33. 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.

35. 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.