Progress on genetic modifications of pulp wood tree species relevance to India-A review

The major tree species grown for pulp and paper industry in India are eucalypts, poplars, casuarinas, subabul and acacias. There is a growing demand for pulp and paper products with minimum adverse effect on natural forest and environment. Genetic transformation in these pulp woods are aimed at enhancing growth, wood characteristics and stress tolerance. However, genetic transformation of trees is a time consuming process because of long life cycle, recent domestication status and recalcitrance to in vitro procedures. Though various instances of incorporating desired trait by transformations in trees have been reported, the effect of genetically modified trees on surrounding ecosystems need further studies. Efforts towards making transgenic trees should take in to consideration of alleviation of public concerns on pollen dispersal, contamination of wild germplasm and biosafety.