Researchers from Oregon State University and Michigan Technological
University have discovered the function of a gene involved in controlling
the awakening of trees from winter dormancy. This discovery is vital in the
ability of the trees in adjusting to environmental changes caused by ci9mate
change. The study is published in the latest edition of Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences.

Trees are equipped with genes that can help them adjust to current climate
conditions. However, climate models suggest that future temperature and
precipitation patterns may expose trees to stressful conditions. Thus, OSU
forest biotechnology professor Steve Strauss investigated on genes in trees
involved in adapting to warmer temperatures. The research team found the
function of bud-breaking gene (EBB1) which is an initial step towards
engineering the adaptability of trees to climate change.

The team developed genetically engineered trees that overexpressed EBB1
which exhibited early dormancy compared to those trees with less EBB1."The
absence of EBB1 during dormancy allows the tree to progress through
thephysiological, developmental and adaptive changes leading to dormancy,"
said Victor Busov of MTU, "while the expression of EBB1 in specific cell
layers prior to bud-break enables reactivation of growth in the cells that
develop into shoots and leaves, and re-entry into the active growth phase of
the tree."

[oregonstate.edu]