Canadian Forest Service Publications
Molecular biology of tree nutrient storage. 1995. Wetzel, S. Pages 29-35 in P.J. Charest and L.C. Duchesne, compilers. Recent progress in forest biotechnology in Canada. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Petawawa National Forestry Institute, Chalk River, Ontario, Information Report PI-X-120.
Year: 1995
Issued by: National Capital Region
Catalog ID: 21305
Language: English
Availability: PDF (download)
Abstract
Studies on the molecular biology of nutrient storage in trees have largely dealt with nitrogen storage and retranslocation. Vegetative storage proteins, which are storage forms of reduced N, are prevalent in many forest species and are an ideal target for tree improvement at the molecular level. Vegetative storage proteins have been correlated to nutrient cycling, fast growth, winter hardiness, and dormancy. They are found in bark, wood, roots, and leaves and comprise over 25% of total soluble protein in these tissues of many species. An understanding of vegetative storage protein genes and their expression could lead to use of these genes for genetic transformation experiments with the aim of manipulating such characteristics as biomass production, rate of spring growth, frost hardiness, nutrient cycling, and resistance to pathogens.