A Century of Research in Natural Resources |
Genetics
Studies of Fish and Forests
Help Maintain Diversity |
College of Natural Resources researchers have played
a key role in understanding and maintaining the genetic diversity of our
fisheries and forest resources. The genetic modifications science is now
capable of are tempered by an increasingly global debate over what scientists
should do. We know we can make fish grow faster, which could help the
fishing industry and hungry people in developing countries. But how would
that change the world’s native fish populations? Faster growing
fish may outcompete native populations for food and mating partners. If
they reproduce, evolution of a species may be altered when unanticipated
characteristics dominate, leading to changes in territoriality, seasonal
migrations, and prey. Changes in enough individuals could alter the species’ traditional
ecological niche. |
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University of Minnesota fisheries scientists were among the first to take
a proactive approach to questions of risk, asserting that protocols for containment
of altered fish, for instance, should be addressed up-front in the scientific
process. This work led to development of the nation’s first set of guidelines
to assess and manage environmental risks of genetically modified fish, and
now plays a prominent role in creating international standards. |
With tree geneticists, fast growth was the major goal through much of the
last century, while recent interest lies in tree form, disease resistance,
and fiber characteristics.
The longevity of trees makes for interesting science. Growth records, some
now 100 years old, are fundamental to research. For example, selection
of white pines resistant to blister rust disease began in the ’20s
and continues today with new tools and much more rapid progress. Fundamental
work is ongoing; such as, how far seeds can be moved from the climate
in
which they were produced and still thrive, which form and growth characteristics
are the result of inheritance and which are shaped by environment, and
which genes control certain plant characteristics. |
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The eel-like sea lamprey attaches to a host fish, bores a
hole, and removes the fish’s bodily fluids. In some regions of the
Great Lakes, sea lampreys consume more fish than commercial and sport fishing
combined. U of M scientists are world leaders in understanding pheromones,
chemicals the lampreys use to communicate with each other. Detected by the
olfactory sense, they stimulate specific instinctual migratory and spawning
behaviors; manipulation of pheromones could lead to biological control of
this and other nuisance species. Electrodes placed onto the olfactory surfaces
of fish, including sea lampreys, monitor olfactory responses to pheromone
blends. Behavioral tests have already shown the identified compounds to be
active at a gram per 10 billion gallons (10,000 Olympic-size swimming pools).
Researchers are now in the process of obtaining licenses from the Environmental
Protection Agency so they can test whether it might be feasible to lure lampreys
into traps or into an unsuitable habitat where their eggs won't survive. |
Pines are relatively new to Minnesota’s post-glacial landscape. White
pine (cones shown) moved in from the east 2,700 years ago and were joined by
red pine (seedlings shown) 1,000 years ago. In 1913, a major threat to white
pine appeared: blister-rust disease. University research efforts have focused
on identifying natural genetic resistance to the disease and understanding
the conditions that limit its spread. |
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The Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative, a unique public/private collaboration
of 30 members, was formed in 1981 to apply traditional genetic techniques
to increase the quantity and quality of timber yields in the region by selecting
and breeding trees that grow faster, have better form, and are more disease
resistant. Certification ensures that the highest quality conifer seedlings
are used to reforest public lands, informs private landowners of the geographic
origin of seedlings they plant, and helps foresters understand the genetic
consequences of their management activities. The Cooperative has bred white
spruce that will grow 25 percent faster than wild trees. |
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The regional Aspen/Larch Genetics Cooperative at the University’s North
Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids gives scientists the opportunity
to improve hybrid, aspen, and larch seed production; and plantation establishment
techniques. Long-term genetic research with aspen and aspen hybrids has shown
gains of nearly 35% in height and more than 100% in volume growth. Ongoing
work with larch species centers on seed selection to enhance adaptation and
promote rapid growth.
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U of M fisheries scientists developed the first microsatellite DNA markers
for northern pike and walleye, enabling researchers to track single fish and
families of origin by identifying the genes in a microscopic bit of skin attached
to a fish scale. Researchers used the DNA analysis to compare survival of
stocked walleye from two different sources. The findings will help guide state,
federal, and tribal fisheries managers in their stocking programs. |
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University of Minnesota fisheries research has identified potential environmental
impacts of releasing genetically engineered fish into natural waterways. Faster
growing fish may outcompete native populations for food and mating partners.
If they reproduce, evolution of a species may be altered when unanticipated
characteristics dominate, leading to changes in territoriality, seasonal migrations,
and prey. Changes in enough individuals could alter the species' traditional
ecological niche. |
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Index Century of Science Environment Management Recreation Stewardship Measurement
Innovations Alternatives Genetics Urban International 100
Year Reading List
