A multinational research team has unveiled a revolutionary method to enhance genetic cloning of trees, according to a statement from Tel Aviv University (TAU) released on Sunday.
The innovative approach, detailed in an eight-year study published in Nature Biotechnology, involves a novel material developed collaboratively by scientists from TAU and the Volcani Institute in central Israel.
Focusing on the traditional technique of stem cuttings, the researchers aimed to address the challenges faced when branches are cut, treated to promote root growth, and planted as new, independent plants. This asexual reproduction method, which doesn’t rely on seeds, is crucial for replicating desirable tree traits such as improved fruit flavor and increased resistance to drought and diseases.
Despite the advantages, the conventional method has been economically impractical for many plant species due to low rooting success rates, often not exceeding 50%, even with the application of the common plant hormone auxin. The team’s breakthrough offers a promising solution to this limitation, potentially transforming agricultural practices and boosting the efficiency of tree propagation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
