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Perspectives for genetic engineering of poplars for enhanced phytoremediation abilities

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Abstract

Phytoremediation potential has been widely accepted as highly stable and dynamic approach for reducing eco-toxic pollutants. Earlier reports endorse remediation abilities both in herbaceous plants as well as woody trees. Poplars are dominant trees to the ecosystem structure and functioning in riparian forests of North America Rivers and also to other part of the world. Understanding of the fact that how genetic variation in primary producer structures communities, affects species distribution, and alters ecosystem-level processes, attention was paid to investigate the perspectives of genetic modification in poplar. The present review article furnishes documented evidences for genetic engineering of Populus tree for enhanced phytoremediation abilities. The versatility of poplar as a consequence of its distinct traits, rapid growth rates, extensive root system, high perennial biomass production, and immense industrial value, bring it in the forefront of phytoremediation. Furthermore, remediative capabilities of Populus can be significantly increased by introducing cross-kingdom, non-resident genes encoding desirable traits. Available genome sequence database of Populus contribute to the determination of gene functions together with elucidating phytoremediation linked metabolic pathways. Adequate understanding of functional genomics in merger with physiology and genetics of poplar offers distinct advantage in identifying and upgrading phytoremediation potential of this model forest tree species for human welfare.

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Acknowledgments

Authors thank Dr. Suchitra Banerjee for critical reading, valuable comments and suggestions on an earlier version of this manuscript. This work was supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi as a research project to Professor A. Chaudhury. The financial support given as JRF by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India to Mr. Rakesh Yadav is also gratefully acknowledged.

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  1. Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India

    Rakesh Yadav, Pooja Arora & Ashok Chaudhury

  2. Division of Biochemistry, Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, ICAR, Sewar, Bharatpur, 321303, Rajasthan, India

    Sandeep Kumar

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  1. Rakesh Yadav
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  2. Pooja Arora
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  3. Sandeep Kumar
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  4. Ashok Chaudhury
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Correspondence to Ashok Chaudhury.

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Yadav, R., Arora, P., Kumar, S. et al. Perspectives for genetic engineering of poplars for enhanced phytoremediation abilities. Ecotoxicology 19, 1574–1588 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-010-0543-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-010-0543-7

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