Ten lessons from 15 years of transgenic Populus research

Based on extensive experience with transgenic poplars in laboratory and field environments, we have found that transformation is an extremely useful tool for research in biotechnology and functional genomics. The key lessons from our experience are: (1) stable gene expression is the rule in vegetatively propagated transgenic poplars; (2) somaclonal variation is modest and manageable; (3) transformation and field tests are extraordinary functional genomics methods; (4) there are many social and technical motivations for transformation centres; (5) regulations may choke biotechnology without scientist involvement; (6) the value of transgenic traits look high, but await careful, broad evaluation; (7) public-sector scientists need to play a serious, free role in value studies; (8) gene flow is complex and needs careful consideration; (9) sterility systems can be developed via diverse means; and (10) domestication transgenes can provide new avenues to promote biosafety. In short, transformation in poplar is extremely reliable and there are diverse and promising means for improving biosafety, but considerable time, institutional commitments and public-private partnerships are required to deliver them to society.