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6 Arbor Age / September 2014 www.arborage.com Discovery of a bud-break gene could lead to trees adapted for a changing climate Scientists have confi rmed the function of a gene that controls the awakening of trees from winter dormancy, a critical factor in their ability to adjust to environmental changes associated with climate change. While other researchers have identifi ed genes involved in producing the fi rst green leaves of spring, the discovery of a master regulator in poplar trees (Populus species) could eventually lead to breeding plants that are better adapted for warmer climates. The results of the study that began more than a decade ago at Oregon State University were published in the Pro- ceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, by scientists from Michigan Technological University and Oregon State. "No one has ever isolated a controlling gene for this tim- ing in a wild plant, outside of Arabidopsis, a small fl owering plant related to mustard and cabbage," said Steve Strauss, co-author and distinguished professor of forest biotechnol- ogy at OSU. "This is the fi rst time a gene that controls the timing of bud break in trees has been identifi ed." The timings of annual cycles — when trees open their leaves, when they produce fl owers, when they go dormant — help trees adapt to changes in environmental signals like those associated with climate, but the genetics have to keep up, Strauss said. While trees possess the genetic diversity to adjust to current conditions, climate models suggest that tempera- ture and precipitation patterns in many parts of the world may expose trees to more stressful conditions in the future. Experts have suggested that some tree species may not be able to cope with these changes fast enough, whether by adaptation or migration. As a result, forest health may decline, trees may disappear from places they are currently found, and some species may even go extinct. "For example, are there going to be healthy and wide- spread populations of Douglas fi r in Oregon in a hundred years?" said Strauss. "That depends on the natural diversity that we have and how much the environment changes. Will there be suffi cient genetic diversity around to evolve INDUSTRY NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS Photo courtesy of NYC Parks Department Michigan-based companies Huron Capital Partners ("Huron Capital") and Bandit Industries entered into a let- ter of intent to recapitalize Bandit as a private company, and to provide resources and capital to reinforce Bandit's continued record growth while accelerating the company's global growth strategy. Jerry Morey will continue to run the business as presi- dent and CEO. Upon closing, a CEO succession plan will be initiated to recruit and train a top-caliber executive to lead the business into its next phase of growth. Mike Morey Sr. and Dianne Morey will remain with the company in con- sulting roles. Bandit will be co-owned by Jerry Morey, Mike Morey, Dianne Morey and Huron Capital. The investment is expected to close in early fall 2014. "When we announced last year that we were looking at companies for a potential sale or merger of Bandit, we were adamant that it had to be the right fi t for our company, our community, our dealer network, and, most importantly, our employees," said Jerry Morey. "We were only interested in partnering with an organization that would respect and be committed to our company culture, from our employees in Michigan to our dealers operating all around the world. Huron Capital has a long history of growing companies while maintaining their independent operations and unique company culture, and that was a signifi cant factor in our decision to partner with the fi rm. It also feels good to be working with another Michigan- based company that understands our challenges and shares our hometown pride. We are very much looking forward to the future for both Bandit and our mid- Michigan community." Bandit Industries will remain at its current 280,000-square-foot world headquarters between Remus and Mount Pleasant, Mich. All existing operations, includ- ing the workforce, management teams, and distribution and dealer network will remain in place. Bandit will also continue to have a large role in supporting and participat- ing in local community events and sponsorships. "Bandit's history as an independent, family-run business is an important criteria for us," said Mike Beauregard, senior partner at Huron Capital. "Our investment in the business will preserve the legacy and culture of this business while continuing to expand globally under the Bandit brand. The business will remain a private, Michigan-based company funded with Michigan-based capital and employing Michigan-based people." Founded in 1983, Bandit Industries is a leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and service of hand-fed and whole tree wood chippers, stump grinders, forestry mowers, Beast recycling machines, and other specialty wood and waste processing equipment. Bandit serves pro- fessionals in the logging, forestry, tree care, land-clearing, recycling, and renewable energy markets through a global dealer network of more than 160 locations. Huron Capital is an operationally focused private equity fi rm with a long history of growing lower middle- market companies through its customized buy-and-build investment model. Bandit Industries inks deal with another Michigan-based company