The many uses of gene scissors, a technique known as CRISPR, continue to surprise scientists around the world. In a final attempt to genetically modify a species, Scientists have managed to change the rate at which a tree blooms.that it is possible to create ‘à la carte’ flowers for the first time in an eternal spring.
The switchable cycle is the poplar cycle, which is especially common in temperate and cold northern regions. Usually, this tree takes seven to ten years to bloom. However, a simple change in their genes could cause them to do so in as little as four months. The results, the result of a study by researchers at the University of Georgia, are published in the journalism. New Phytologist.
“Until now, methods to induce flowering in poplar trees have been ineffective and labor-intensive,” said Chung-Jui Tsai, a geneticist with the Georgia Research Alliance, and insists this is “a major barrier to research.”
But using CRISPR By regulating a flowering suppressor gene—genes that prevent flower induction from occurring—it is possible to compress the flowering period from seven years to three or four months.“and the development period of the flower organs is from a year to several days,” explains Tsai.
They also change the sex of trees.
Once this long cycle is reduced, the researchers They also decided to experiment with other genes, including those that regulate the sex of a female tree.. Within a few months, Tsai and her team saw new male flowers confirming the success of transgendering.
This new system will change the game in tree research. Until now, studies and experiments in this branch of knowledge have often taken decades, compared, for example, with crops. Shortening a tree’s flowering time will allow researchers to perform controlled crosses and more quickly assess which traits are interesting or adapt.
Like this, traits can be found to help trees better tolerate drought or temperature extremes for example in a much shorter time to help them adapt to climate change.
In fact, in this study, Tsai and his team also observed an advantage in the flower development process of poplars. Female trees have the ability to develop trimones, the ability to host both male and female flowers on the same plant. This is not often seen in nature, as male and female poplar trees are well differentiated.
Less fluffy seeds, cause allergies
Acceleration of processes with another additional genetic pressure, it also gave rise to an incredible feature: the trees stopped forming a large number of fluffy seeds. that these species use for breeding in the spring. While this last finding requires further study, the researchers believe: It could be a welcome change for allergy sufferers in the future.
“This provides a molecular basis for the development of hairless seeds that could reduce the spread of allergens in urban areas or working forests,” he said.
“This work has opened up many new opportunities for research into the basic reproduction of these woody trees,” Tsai insists. years or ten years to produce.
Reference work: https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.18624
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