By Monica Chen

mchen@heraldsun.com; 419-6636

DURHAM -- Workers have hoisted a five-foot loblolly pine up four stories in a "topping out" ceremony for the new $10.4 million addition to the N.C. Biotechnology Center.

The tree had been grown by N.C. State University specialists as part of a genetic improvement project, and was chosen to symbolize the center's mission to support and grow biotechnology research and business.

"The tools of biotechnology are important for [the state's] future," Jim Shamp, a spokesman for the center, said in an e-mail. "Genetic markers can help breeders find and track the genes responsible for resisting bugs and diseases, such as rust."

One tree can donate branches that can be turned into other trees carrying similar traits, and eventually lead to lower lumber prices and less need for water and fewer pesticides, Shamp said.

Biotechnology is the use of living cells and their molecules to solve problems and make useful products. The loblolly pines grown and tested at N.C. State incorporate technologies that can help scientists detect and select specimens with beneficial genetic characteristics such as disease resistance.

So instead of using a pine sapling for the topping out ceremony, Shamp had contacted forestry specialists at N.C. State, who donated one of the trees used in a project targeting genetic improvement of the loblolly pine.

An ironworker from Roanoke Valley Steel, the Halifax County company that supplied the beams for the project, fastened the tree to the structure. Following the tradition of topping out ceremonies, the tree is likely to remain in place for several weeks until roofers remove it.

Construction on the Biotech Center's new addition began this fall. Once completed, it will provide 20,000 square feet of new office and conference space supporting job creation initiatives, workforce training, business development and other programs.

The four-story structure will be the first addition to the center since its founding in 1984. The original 47,000-square-foot center was built to house 50 employees. It's now pushing 65.

The general contractor, Skanska, expects to employ as many as 200 people on the job. The addition is expected to be completed in fall 2010.