Clonal Production of Elite Black Cherry

Research Issue

Black cherry is the only native hardwood species of the genus Prunus that is of high commercial value for timber and sawlog production.

Our Research

We are working with state and private entities to produce elite, clonal black cherry for use in public and private forestry. Selections will soon be available with improved insect resistance that can lead to less gum pockets in cherry timber. In vitro (tissue culture) propagation methods could be the most cost effective way to quickly produce clones of selected, mature, elite black cherry genotypes or genetically improved genotypes. Our goal is to transfer these clones into the hands of users as soon as practical after scientific testing has been completed.

Expected Impact

In addition to the multi-million dollar US market consumption of black cherry wood, for the period 2001-2005, the US exported black cherry lumber to 80 countries (173,990.2 m3; $115,026,400.) and black cherry logs to 55 countries (148,513.6 m3; $86,600,000.) A tissue culture propagation method will maximize production of improved material for distribution. Increasing the availability of improved black cherry trees with superior genetics through clonal reproduction will have great economic benefits to landowners, lumber mills, and the forest products industry, in addition to the US foreign trade of black cherry lumber and logs

Research Results

Liu, X. and Pijut, P.M. 2010. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of mature Prunus serotina (black cherry) and regeneration of transgenic shoots. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 101:49-57.

Liu, X., Anderson, J.M., and Pijut, P.M. 2010. Cloning and characterization of Prunus serotinaAGAMOUS, a putative flower homeotic gene. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter 28:193-203.

Liu, X. and Pijut, P.M. 2008. Plant regeneration from in vitro leaves of mature black cherry (Prunus serotina). Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 94:113-123.

Espinosa, A.C., Pijut, P.M., and Michler, C.H. 2006. Adventitious shoot regeneration and rooting of Prunus serotina in vitro cultures. HortScience 41(1):193-201.

Research Participants

Principal Investigator

• Paula M. Pijut, USDA-Forest Service- NRS Plant Physiologist 

Research Partners

• Keith E. Woeste, USDA-Forest Service- NRS Research Plant Molecular Geneticist
• Charles H. Michler, USDA-Forest Service- NRS Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center Program Manager 
• James R. McKenna, USDA-Forest Service- NRS Biologist 
• Lenny Farlee
• Guillermo Pardillo, ArborAmerica, Inc.
• Mary C. Schott, ArborAmerica, Inc.

For further details log on website :
http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/sustaining_forests/conserve_enhance/timber/butternut/