Perspectives for genetic engineering of poplars for enhanced phytoremediation abilities

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.

Effect of Genetically Modified Poplars on Soil Microbial Communities during the Phytoremediation of Waste Mine Tailings

“…In particular, transgenic poplars with enhanced uptake and metabolism of heavy metals have been developed (1,5,15,58). In general, the genus Populus is an effective phytoremediator because of its rapid growth rates (3 to 5 m/year); moreover, it produces a large biomass within a short period of time of around 5 to 8 years (63,71). For example, the transgenic poplar developed by the overexpression of the rabbit P450 2E1 gene to create a hybrid poplar (Populus tremula ϫ P. alba) was reported to show a 100-fold enhancement of phytoremediation capacity (15).…”

Phytoremediation of Toxic Metals in Soils and Wetlands: Concepts and Applications

“…The release of nutrientcontaining exudates by plant roots provides carbon and nitrogen sources to the soil microbes and creates a nutrient-rich environment in which microbial activity is stimulated. In addition to secreting organic substrates that facilitate the growth and activity of rhizospheric microbes, plants also release enzymes that are directly capable of degrading organic contaminants in rhizosphere (Kuiper et al 2004;Yadav et al 2010). …”

Analysis of the Importance of Oxides and Clays in Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn Adsorption and Retention with Regression Trees

“…These methods do not have the same environmental impacts as the others. Finally, active research in the use of transgenic plants especially tailored to extract heavy metals is producing interesting results [29]. …”