Gene manipulation yields tiny trees

Insertion of genes from Arabidopsis into poplars changed the trees’ height drastically.

Steven Strauss, a professor of forest science at Oregon State University, created 2-year-old poplars ranging from a few inches up to 15 feet tall. These miniature trees looked similar to normal trees.

Researchers believe it would be possible to create a 5-foot tall elm tree -- a selection that would work well in a container. The gene manipulation may also create a 30-foot tree that works better for streetscapes.

But don’t look for tiny trees in production soon.

“There would be concerns whether the market for specialty tree products such as this would be strong enough to make it worth the large investments of time, money and testing that current regulation of genetically modified organisms would require, at least in the U.S.,” Strauss said.

Other than reduced size, the gene manipulation also created “striking variation in foliage color and leaf shape, some of which might have significant ornamental value,” Strauss said. Root development also appeared to be strong.

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For more: Oregon State University, Steven Strauss, (541) 737-6578; steve.strauss@oregonstate.edu.