Genetic Analysis of Betula Papyrifera (Marsh) Populations from a Mining Reclaimed Region: Expression of Ni and Cu Tolerance Genes.

White birch (Betula papyrifera) is an open pollinate species that is dominant in Northern Ontario after land reclamation. In fact, this species represents 65% of all trees in the region. The main objective of the present study is to assess the expression of Ni and Cu tolerance genes in white birch. We found that B. papyrifera is a Ni and Zn accumulator with a translocation factor of 6.4 and 81, respectively and an indicator of Cu and Pb. Several genes involved in Ni and Cu tolerance from different plant species are being examined using qRT-PCR. Other candidate genes will be identified in B. papyrifera by transcriptome analysis. The molecular data will be examined within the context of heavy metal accumulations in soil and plants. Preliminary results of RT-PCR are described.