Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Open Access Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology (MS)

Administrative Home Department

College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science

Advisor 1

Victor Busov

Committee Member 1

Carsten Külheim

Committee Member 2

Yinan Yuan

Abstract

Greenhouse grafting and field trials were conducted to examine the contribution of the RED NAC transcription factor on low nitrogen phenotypes in hybrid poplar (P. tremula x P. alba). Reciprocal grafting trials showed both root and shoot expression contribute to phenotype under low nitrogen conditions, and shoot expression has a leading role in contribution to low-nitrogen phenotype. The impact of RED NAC expression level on auxin polar transport was investigated using a DR5::GUS auxin-responsive reporter gene line as rootstock for RED NAC modified scions. Pilot studies indicate the rate of auxin transport from apex to roots is slower through shoots overexpressing RED NAC. The field performance of RED NAC modified transgenic lines was characterized in a two-year field trial. RED NAC overexpression positively affected height and stem diameter during the first year of growth. RED NAC suppression negatively affected height and stem diameter during the second year of growth.

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Genetics Commons

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