Biotechnology of Tropical Tree Crops

Tree biotechnology makes use of biotechnological and molecular tools in improvement of tree physiology and genetics. It consists of four components: micropropagation from preexisting meristems, regeneration through de novo meristems, genetic engineering, and DNA marker-assisted breeding. This chapter gives an updated accounting of technology advancements and new tropical tree crop development by public institutions and commercial players. Along with comprehensive updates on developing GM trees of various commercially important traits, safety issues of GM trees especially their environmental impact and regulatory approval are elaborated and discussed.