Twin sycamore clones carry on a historical legacy
When a 143-year-old sycamore tree dies, two Virginia Tech professors produce identical twin clones
By Sara Cline
May 8, 2013
BLACKSBURG--When you hear the word ‘clone,’ you may think of science fiction. However, the sycamore tree clones at Virginia Tech are completely real.
Forestry professors Dr. John Seiler and Dr. Eric Wiseman decided to create clones of a sycamore tree that was dying due to a poor growing environment
The historic tree lived on Henderson Lawn for 143 years, which was one of the main reasons the professors decided to create a clone. It made the loss of the tree a bit easier.
The process spanned from Fall 2010 to Spring 2011. Seiler worked on the actual cloning process, while Wiseman moved the tree to the Urban Horticulture Center at Virginia Tech for further growing.
“The cloning work was actually spearheaded by Dr. Seiler,” Wiseman said. “I hadn’t done any vegetative cloning where you take clippings and replicate them that way. That was a new and interesting experience.
While Wiseman had never cloned plants before, Seiler started cloning in his spare time with flowers at home.
The two successful clones, though not nearly close to the size of their parent tree yet, are at a substantial size and were both planted at Tech.
The first tree was planted for the Class of 2011’s Spring Commencement, a yearly tradition for the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
On April 22, 2013, second tree was planted where parent used to stand on Henderson Lawn. A ceremony was held, featuring speakers Virginia Tech President Charles Steger, Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment Paul Winistorfer, Dr. Seiler, and Blacksburg Mayor Rordam. Several media outlets covered the ceremony, affirming that this tree will be just as important as its parent.
If they are anything like their parent, the two Sycamores will live very long, significant, and successful lives.
By Sara Cline
May 8, 2013
BLACKSBURG--When you hear the word ‘clone,’ you may think of science fiction. However, the sycamore tree clones at Virginia Tech are completely real.
Forestry professors Dr. John Seiler and Dr. Eric Wiseman decided to create clones of a sycamore tree that was dying due to a poor growing environment
The historic tree lived on Henderson Lawn for 143 years, which was one of the main reasons the professors decided to create a clone. It made the loss of the tree a bit easier.
The process spanned from Fall 2010 to Spring 2011. Seiler worked on the actual cloning process, while Wiseman moved the tree to the Urban Horticulture Center at Virginia Tech for further growing.
“The cloning work was actually spearheaded by Dr. Seiler,” Wiseman said. “I hadn’t done any vegetative cloning where you take clippings and replicate them that way. That was a new and interesting experience.
While Wiseman had never cloned plants before, Seiler started cloning in his spare time with flowers at home.
The two successful clones, though not nearly close to the size of their parent tree yet, are at a substantial size and were both planted at Tech.
The first tree was planted for the Class of 2011’s Spring Commencement, a yearly tradition for the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
On April 22, 2013, second tree was planted where parent used to stand on Henderson Lawn. A ceremony was held, featuring speakers Virginia Tech President Charles Steger, Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment Paul Winistorfer, Dr. Seiler, and Blacksburg Mayor Rordam. Several media outlets covered the ceremony, affirming that this tree will be just as important as its parent.
If they are anything like their parent, the two Sycamores will live very long, significant, and successful lives.