Topics
Supporting sustainable development
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) supports the Government of Canada's commitment to the sustainable development of our natural resources - ensuring that they retain their economic importance and continue to contribute to a healthy environment, strong society and communities. Central to successful sustainable development is research and the adoption of innovative practices and technologies. Through knowledge, innovation, technology and global leadership, the department works to ensure the quality of life of Canadians - now and for the future.
Within NRcan, the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) has the lead on biotechnology issues and plays a strategic role in science and technology research as well as national policy coordination. CFS scientists have been involved for many years in research designed to improve the quality of wood fibre, protect forests from insect pests and disease, reduce exploitation pressures on forests and speed up the growth of harvestable trees. Forest biotechnology provides alternative tools that could play a pivotal role in sound forest management practices, including tree species improvement and protection. It also offers knowledge of forest ecosystems that can be used for conservation purposes and which has the potential to spawn new Canadian technology firms.
The development and use of biotechnology in the forest sector supports the CFS in advancing its mission of promoting the sustainable development of Canada's forests and competitiveness of the Canadian forest sector to maintain a high standard of living and quality of life for all Canadians.
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Building a better tree
Trees are a big challenge to scientists due to their large size, long reproductive cycle and exposure to ever-changing environmental conditions. Traditional tree improvement methods are too slow to produce trees with the qualities required to meet our current and future wood and fibre needs. Yet the sustainable use of Canada's forests and the maintenance of Canada's share of the world market of wood and wood products depend on our ability to quickly improve the productivity of managed forests. Increasingly, biotechnology is helping to fill the gap.
CFS scientists are using novel methods to design improved trees with desirable characteristics like better quality wood, insect or disease resistance and faster growth, while ensuring that environmental impact considerations are addressed. An example of these innovative methods is genetic engineering using recombinant DNA techniques. Research on genetically engineered forest trees is currently underway in CFS laboratories, greenhouses and in small-scale controlled field trials all across Canada.
NRCan has applied biotechnology research to identify genetically superior trees and genetic diversity as well as to promote tree propagation through tissue culture, tree improvement through genetic modification, forest protection using biological pest control methods and the assessment of environmental effects of biotechnology-derived products. As research advances, biotechnology will offer more tools and approaches to protect Canadian forests and improve forestry.
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Encouraging cooperation in the protection and wise use of forests
As the largest Canadian organization involved in forest biotechnology, the CFS also acts as a facilitator, encouraging and supporting the efforts of other Canadians and global partners committed to sustainable development. It plays a key role in defining strategic research orientations, advising on environmental regulations, developing skilled workers, increasing public awareness of forest biotechnology, and coordinating activities with industry, academia, other government departments and agencies, and other nations. For example, with input from the Canadian public, forest industry representatives, environmental groups, provincial officials and forest science experts, the CFS provides advice to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on ways to improve the regulations governing genetically engineered forest trees.
To ensure the safety of the environment, the CFS is working in partnership with the CFIA to focus on the environmental impact assessments of genetically modified products. It is a priority of the Government of Canada to ensure the health and safety of Canadians and the environment through regulations and legislation.
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Contributions to the CBS
The Canadian Forest Service has been an active participant of the Canadian Biotechnology Strategy and contributed to its renewal, completed in 1998.
As Canada's principal forest research agency, the CFS is internationally recognized as a world leader in forest biotechnology, using advances in molecular biology and cell and tissue culture to protect and regenerate forests. Beyond research, the CFS is also involved in advancing Canada's biotechnology regulatory framework by developing expertise within the natural resources biotechnology sector to better assist regulatory agencies (CFIA and Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)) in the development of sound science-based regulations. Much of its work is carried out in partnership with other federal organizations as well as with industry, academia and non-governmental groups in Canada and internationally.
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Productive partnerships
From 1999 to 2003 the CBS allocated $2.1 million to finance three CFS-led projects in collaboration with other government departments, international partners, universities and industry:
- Development of Canada's capacity to assess the environmental safety of biotechnology-derived forest products, in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the CFIA, the PMRA, Environment Canada (EC), universities and industry.
- Development of frameworks for science-based regulations and intellectual property protection, in collaboration with the CFIA, the PMRA and the provinces.
- Biotechnology of natural control agents: identification of behaviourally active and environmentally acceptable phytochemicals from selected native trees, in collaboration with AAFC, universities, Kew Gardens (UK), and industry.
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Genomics Initiative
A total of $7 million was allocated under the CBS for the 1999-2003 period to support CFS participation in the Government of Canada's Genomics Initiative. CFS research centres are focusing on improving forest generation and protection methods while addressing environmental impact considerations. Research activities fall under four themes:
- Molecular genetics of forest tree production and protection systems
- Molecular markers for diagnosis, monitoring and early selection
- Production of genetically improved trees
- Production of environmentally acceptable forest protection methods
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The Canadian regulatory system for biotechnology initiatives
A total of $3.66 million was allocated to NRCan for the 2000-2003 period to support regulatory renewal. CFS-led activities focus on reducing the amount of scientific uncertainty concerning both the performance and environmental safety of genetically modified trees and biocontrol agents. Projects focus on:
- The development of a science-based regulatory framework for transgenic trees that is compatible with provincial, federal and international requirements to protect the environment and biodiversity.
- The generation of information on both the feasibility of using transgenic trees or biocontrol agents to increase Canada's ability to use its forests in a sustainable manner and the level of risk associated with their introduction into the natural environment.
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Early successes
Identification of genetically superior trees and genetic diversity
Biotechnology is providing tools to identify superior genotypes through the characterization of DNA markers associated with important silvicultural traits. The same tools are used to study the genetic diversity of tree populations. Genetic diversity is a component of biodiversity and is important in ensuring the sustainability of the forest resource.
Clarifying genetic structure and quantifying genetic components of variability in tree populations are the bases of genetic diversity studies. The CFS classifies important commercial and adaptative traits for use in advanced genetics and biotechnology. Additionally, there is great potential for obtaining rapid genetic gains by applying the most recent biotechnologies to trees already selected and bred for superior growth. In the context of developing genetically enhanced materials, the CFS is looking at the structure and function of conifer genes, focusing on the characterization of fundamental genes involved in tree differentiation and development. Understanding how trees grow will make it easier to identify potential areas for improvement.
Along the same line, the CFS is studying genes isolated from agricultural species and transferred to conifers. This kind of research will contribute to a better understanding of gene structure and function in conifers and will provide insight into the evolution of higher plants.
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Tree propagation through tissue culture
Conifer somatic embryogenesis is a good example of a potential biotechnology application to conventional tree improvement. Immature embryos selected from seeds of superior trees and put under appropriate culture conditions can produce a mass of embryogenic tissues from which several thousands of somatic embryos can be obtained. Thus, somatic embryogenesis allows the production of a large number of trees from a single seed and can accelerate tree breeding cycles.
The CFS has contributed to the area of conifer tissue culture by developing somatic embryogenesis methods for micropropagating species such as white spruce, Picea glauca (Moench) Voss; black spruce, P. mariana (Mill.) BSP; red spruce, P. rubens Sarg.; tamarack, Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch; European larch, L. decidua Mill.; and hybrid larch, L. decidua Mill. L. leptolepis (Siebold & Zucc.) Gord. The CFS has established demonstration plots and field tests of somatic embryo-derived trees for white spruce, black spruce, and hybrid larch, with the goal of integrating somatic embryogenesis into operational reforestation programs. Recently, CFS scientists have succeeded in developing methods to produce somatic embryogenesis in eastern white pine and jack pine.
In addition, the CFS has developed methods for the cryopreservation (storage at minus 196°C, the temperature of liquid nitrogen) of conifer tissue culture lines developed by somatic embryogenesis. This will permit integration of tissue culture into conventional breeding cycles by allowing the safe storage of lines until the materials have been tested for field performance. Cryopreservation is also used for the preservation of lines of endangered species and for the storage of commercially valuable tree genotypes.
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Tree improvement through genetic engineering
A major impediment to tree improvement is the time required for each genetic cross to reach sexual maturity. Genetic engineering could circumvent this problem by allowing the transfer of single gene traits into superior genotypes, leading to the integration of desired traits such as pest tolerance.
The CFS, along with universities and other research organizations worldwide, is developing genetic modification methods for trees. The CFS was the first organization to successfully produce transgenic black spruce and tamarack using microprojectile-mediated DNA delivery. With this method, microscopic metal beads coated with the new DNA that is to be introduced are shot through cellular membranes into the cell where the new DNA is taken up and expressed. Since then, the CFS has produced transgenic white spruce and European larch, and has successfully transferred genes for pest tolerance to black spruce.
To advance research in tree molecular biology, the CFS is developing protocols for gene delivery in various tree tissues such as flower parts and pollen. This will allow research scientists to bypass the long life cycle of tree species to verify patterns of expression of the introduced genes in mature tissues. The CFS is also conducting research with deciduous hardwood species such as poplar, aspen, and willow, with the aim of producing hardier and faster-growing trees.
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Forest protection using biological pest control methods
Tree pests and diseases cause extensive losses in productivity while weeds represent a challenge in establishing tree plantations, making effective pest management strategies very important. Biotechnology has been proven to provide environmentally sound alternatives to chemical pesticides. Pioneering research at the CFS, starting as early as the 1950s, has been instrumental in the development of Bacillus thuringiensis, or B.t., for worldwide use against a broad range of lepidopterous pests such as the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.) and gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.).
The CFS is conducting research to make B.t.'s mode of action more effective.
The CFS published Genetically Engineered Baculoviruses for Forest Insect Management Applications: A Canadian Forest Service Discussion Paper to encourage an exchange of views among members of the public and representatives of interested organizations regarding the R&D effort on baculoviruses for spruce budworm control.
More recently, the CFS obtained Canada's first registrations of insect viruses against insect pests for the redheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch), and for the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McD.). Other viruses such as the nuclear polyhedrosis virus against gypsy moth are in pilot-scale production stages. Improving the efficacy of spruce budworm nuclear polyhedrosis virus through genetic engineering is being explored. Research is also underway to understand insect virus development including studies of their mode of action and environmental safety.
Other approaches involve the investigation of naturally derived products for managing forest insect pests. CFS scientists are studying the neem tree, Azadirachta indica, which produces azadirachtin, a substance that repels insects. Sex pheromones, or sex attractants, are also subject to intensive research for insect control and monitoring, and the CFS has identified several pheromones emitted by female insects to attract males when they are ready to mate.
The CFS is developing diagnostic kits to identify tree pathogens and researching microbial competitors of tree disease organisms and decay fungi. As well, scientists in CFS laboratories are searching for biological herbicides specific to targeted weeds and benign to the environment. Herbicides developed from fungal pathogens of weeds are called mycoherbicides. Some CFS mycoherbicides are being registered for use in Canada.
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Environmental impact assessments of biotechnology-derived products
Before any biotechnology-derived product can be released into the environment, a thorough environmental safety assessment must be performed. Some of the issues requiring assessment include gene flow from transgenic trees into natural populations, the long-term stability of introduced genes and potential long-term effects of genetically enhanced trees in the ecosystem. Tools to analyze the impact of transgenic trees in intensively managed or seminatural forests and which would enable sound deployment strategies are currently being sought.
The CFS plays a crucial role in environmental research and in the assessment of microorganisms to be used as pest control agents in forestry. In particular, CFS scientists have developed laboratory bioassays for non-target organisms. For example, the nuclear polyhedrosis viruses of the gypsy moth and the spruce budworm have been extensively tested against a large number of lepidopterans. The CFS also tests the effects of biological products on the natural microbial communities in soils from representative forest types and in aquatic environments. This type of research contributes critical knowledge and expertise to ensure that the fate and impact of biopesticides in forest ecosystems are well understood before product release.
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Federal regulatory framework for biotechnology products in the forest sector
At the federal level, forest biotechnologyderived products are regulated by legislation stipulating that new products to be tested or commercialized must first be assessed for safety and efficacy. The acts include: the Seeds Act for genetically modified trees, the Plant Protection Act for imports and the Fertilizers Act for biofertilizers and mycorrhizae, all of which are administered by the CFIA; the Pest Control Products Act for microbial pest control agents, administered by the PMRA; and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act for microorganisms used in the pulp and paper industry, administered by EC.
The CFS contributes to the development and application of a sound, scientifically based federal regulatory framework for biotechnology products in the forest sector by providing scientific and technical expertise to the agencies that administer these acts.