Biotechnology in maize breeding

Maize is one of the most important economic crops and the best studied and most tractable genetic system among monocots. The development of biotechnology has led to a great increase in our knowledge of maize genetics and understanding of the structure and behaviour of maize genomes. Conventional breeding practices can now be complemented by a number of new and powerful techniques. Some of these often referred to as molecular methods, enable scientists to see the layout of the entire genome of any organism and to select plants with preferred characteristics by "reading" at the molecular level, saving precious time and resources. DNA markers have provided valuable tools in various analyses ranging from phylogenetic analysis to the positional cloning of genes. Application of molecular markers for genetic studies of maize include: assessment of genetic variability and characterization of germ plasm, identification and fingerprinting of genotypes, estimation of genetic distance, detection of monogamic and quantitative trait loci, marker assisted selection, identification of sequence of useful candidate genes, etc. The development of high-density molecular maps which has been facilitated by PCR-based markers, have made the mapping and tagging of almost any trait possible and serve as bases for marker assisted selection. Sequencing of maize genomes would help to elucidate gene function, gene regulation and their expression. Modern biotechnology also includes an array of tools for introducing or deieting a particular gene or genes to produce plants with novel traits. Development of informatics and biotechnology are resulted in bioinformatic as well as in expansion of microarrey technique. Modern biotechnologies could complement and improve the efficiency of traditional selection and breeding techniques to enhance agricultural productivity.

Environmental release of transgenic trees in Canada — potential benefits and assessment of biosafety

The release of new genetic materials into forest ecosystems, regardless of the method used to develop them, should be done in an environmentally responsible manner. Canada is participating with the OECD in efforts to harmonize regulatory control of products derived from biotechnology, including forest trees. Prepared under contract to the Canadian Forest Service, the purpose of this document is to facilitate a discussion within the forestry community, leading to improved direction of research and contributing to the harmonization of regulatory oversight of genetically engineered forest trees. While the focus of the paper is on transgenic trees, many of the issues raised are equally applicable to all novel products from tree breeding. Key words: biotechnology, environmental impact, genetic engineering, plants with novel traits, regulations, risk assessment, transgenic trees, tree breeding