Biotechnology
ArborGen biotech development efforts begin with a conventionally improved seedling and then introduce commercially relevant traits, such as those that convey improved biomass yields, greater photosynthetic efficiency, higher stress tolerance (e.g., heat, cold, drought, salt), more efficient nitrogen utilization, larger root biomass, and enhanced processing characteristics. Traits that improve the propagation of trees and seeds are also being investigated. ArborGen science uses conventional breeding techniques and applies advanced biotechnology to make improvements at the molecular level, making pinpoint improvements for trees that meet the growing demands of wood, fiber and energy.

ArborGen excels at applying advanced biotechnology to make improvements at the molecular level to help trees meet the growing demands of wood, fiber and energy. But the process of bringing a biotech tree to market only begins with discovery and development. There is an arduous regulatory process that oversees the safety and security of all field trials, tests and deregulation of biotech trees. The following chart depicts the steps that every biotech tree will go through before reaching the marketplace:
 
 

Activity

Definition

Capabilities

Discovery

The development of novel traits for testing

Internal discovery program and genetic sequence databases, genetic resources for collaborations; gene screening and identification

Transformation

The introduction of a trait into a plant

Intellectual property and expertise in transformation protocols for multiple tree species

Field Testing

The testing of genes under commercial conditions for multiple years

Team of individuals with expertise in forest genetics and silviculture for multiple species; extensive footprint of field trials with multiple species in multiple geographic regions

Product Development

Developing products through field and laboratory testing; data generation that validates product performance, generates regulatory approval, and demonstrates product performance potential for customers

Established stage-gate product development process for measuring performance against milestones and ensuring alignment across projects and functional areas; experienced laboratory and field scientists; strong collaborative relationships

Regulatory

Navigating through the regulatory process to ensure that all products meet international, federal, state and local regulatory requirements

Regulatory affairs team with extensive experience in biotech regulatory processes and relationships with regulatory agencies; strong regulatory science program to support approvals.

Production

Producing tree seedlings at a commercial scale for customers

Intellectual property and expertise in various large scale production technologies, including vegetative and varietal propagation, for multiple species

Sales and Marketing

Securing customer agreements, delivering trees and customer service.

Established nurseries and orchards with strong share of market in key geographies; strong collaborative relationships; proven value-based sales approach; knowledge and strong reputation in forest genetics and silviculture


After we identify a useful gene, we optimize its performance, including identifying the places and conditions when the gene should be turned on or off. Traits may also require a combination of genes to be commercially useful. For example, a gene conferring prolonged, mild drought tolerance may need to be combined with a gene conferring improved recovery from severe drought in order to produce a commercially useful drought-tolerant plant.

Click here for more information on trait specific breeding.


  


 

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