[College of ACES] [University of Illinois] [Illinois CES]

What determines the growth rate of a tree? Part 2

wbe@macfar.com
Thu, 5 Feb 1998 09:32:21 -0600

A couple of days ago I posted a message asking what determines the growth rate of a tree. Let me tell you why this came to mind. I am not a scientist, but I love plants so if some of my questions seem simple please bear with me.

I have noticed that some plants grow very quickly and some grow very slowly. What is it in the plant that determines the growth rate? assuming the plants get the right amount of water,sun,nutrients.

Is there a way to speed up the growth of plants like an oak tree. If I plant a tree in my yard why do I have to wait 30 years to get shade, why not 5 or 10. Why cant we alter the genetics of a tree, to speed up growth?

Is there a science that deals with altering the genetics of plants?
My question about speeding up the growth of a tree might sound like science fiction, but I think something like a fast growing oak tree (or any other plant) would be useful to the world. Whenever they build new housing developments they look barren for many years until the trees get big enough. If we can go to the moon why can't we make plants grow fast?