Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering in Forest Trees

As with agricultural plants and animals, technical innovations in genetics, genomics, and related disciplines are also being developed for forest trees. However, the nature of trees and forests, and the wider range of products that we expect from them compared to crops, creates new challenges and opportunities. In addition to wood and fiber products, forest managers must also balance trade-offs in producing ecological and social services. Inevitably, controversy develops over management goals and technologies. This includes where, how, and whether genetic technology and breeding in any form is appropriate. The goal of this essay is to review forest biotechnology, with a focus on its most controversial form, genetic engineering (GE)