Section of a genetically modified Poplar tree
Researchers at the University of Manchester have successfully isolated two genes in poplar trees responsible for the rate of their growth. The genes, PXY and CLE, dictate the rate of cell division in the plant stem. Cell division is the driving force behind growth of the organism, so by over-expressing PXY and CLE, researchers found that the trees grew at twice their normal rate, to a much larger final size and with more leaves.
The implications of this discovery are very positive and applications of it extend to many areas. For one, wood commands one of the highest demands of the biofuels. Faster growth of trees may significantly increase sustainability in the wood industry, let alone allow for the discontinuation of deforestation. The study could potentially be extended to crops as well. Their increased growth rate and size may allow them to overcome their chemical signaling that leads to a lower yield when faced with worsening environmental conditions such as global warming and pollution. I am very excited to see where this research leads, and hope that it will better our world in a major way.
If cash crops like tobacco, marijuana, and fruits could be grown faster with a higher yield I am sure that many different companies would want to continue and put this research into practical tests as soon as possible. However, lets say that these companies are successful in making faster growing crops with larger yields then it is possible that a large amount of these crops would become available to the public leading for their overall price to decrease.
ReplyDeleteI think this study has very interesting implications in the modern world of agriculture. Commercially speaking, this research could be the key to stable and continuous crops. This could also allow for easier dispersal of agricultural products to those who don't have access to fresh produce, simply because more products can be grown and harvested in the same amount of time without worrying about not having enough.
ReplyDeleteThis research also has great implications as far as combating the effects of human development. If trees can be grown twice as quick as they currently/naturally grow, this could be a great way to combat deforestation. For every tree felled, two genetically quickened trees can be planted and made to grow into new forests.
I think research like this ought to be well-funded and looked into, simply because the benefits of this research could help a lot of different global issues.