Time for Winter Wrapping?
An adult box tree moth.
(a gene) into the cells of the receptor plant to introduce the expression of that gene and thus change the traits of the plant. In regard to BTM resistance in Buxus , one could imagine introducing the gene for Bt toxin into Buxus and have Bt toxin expressed to eliminate BTM larvae. First, the receptor plant should be amenable to tissue culture and in vitro propagation methods. The second step is introducing the gene sequence typically via agrobacterium infection or particle bombardment. Particle bombardment is coating microscopic gold particles with the gene sequence and ‘shooting’ the particles at the tissue to be modified. Finally, the sections of the cultured tissues or single cells that have stably incorporated the gene into their genome would need to be amplified. This involves in vitro growth followed by conversion into plantlets with roots/shoots using various hormone treatments that could then be transplanted to soil and eventually clonally propagated by cuttings. These cuttings would then be grown into plants that could be lab and field tested for BTM resistance. As can be seen, classical breeding or genetic modification will be a slow process. Is it worth the commitment and effort, and who will invest the resources into this long-term project? As mentioned, CNLA’s NPDC is currently having those discussions based on Dr. Somer’s review and further investigations with other tissue culture labs and breeders. It’s likely others are having similar conversations. If you are interested in reading Dr. Somer’s full report, please email jamie@cnla-acpp.ca to receive a copy. LT
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JAMIE AALBERS is the Grower & Research Specialist at the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and has an extensive background in the ornamental horticulture sector as a grower, mini- rose breeder, research director, trials manager and consultant.
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