Angiosperm DNA sequences from the sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) inserted into the loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and result in production of more syringyl lignin and less guaiacyl lignin

A method for producing syringyl lignin in gymnosperms is disclosed. The production of syringyl lignin in gymnosperms is accomplished by genetically transforming a gymnosperm genome, which does not normally contain genes that code for enzymes necessary for production of syringyl lignin, with DNA that codes for enzymes found in angiosperms associated with production of syringyl lignin. The expression of the inserted DNA is mediated using host promoter regions in the gymnosperm. In addition, genetic sequences which code for gymnosperm lignin anti-sense mRNA may be incorporated into the gymnosperm genome in order to suppress the formation of the less preferred forms of lignin in the gymnosperm such as guaiacyl lignin. A method for producing syringyl lignin in gymnosperms is disclosed. The production of syringyl lignin in gymnosperms is accomplished by genetically transforming a gymnosperm genome, which does not normally contain genes that code for enzymes necessary for production of syringyl lignin, with DNA that codes for enzymes found in angiosperms associated with production of syringyl lignin. The expression of the inserted DNA is mediated using host promoter regions in the gymnosperm. In addition, genetic sequences which code for gymnosperm lignin anti-sense mRNA may be incorporated into the gymnosperm genome in order to suppress the formation of the less preferred forms of lignin in the gymnosperm such as guaiacyl lignin.