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Photo Credit: Rudolph Vicek

Most of us are familiar with genetically engineered crops, either by way of the news or possibly the large amount of opposition that tends to follow the issue.  But how about genetically modified trees, as in the trees that populate our forests and bring us wood, paper, and beautiful landscapes?  Considering federal regulators recently gave clearance for a large field test of genetically engineered trees that will span across 7 states in the Southern region of our country, you may want to familiarize yourself with this practice.

On the surface, it sounds like a decent plan.  Eucalyptuses grow extremely fast, which could minimize the amount of forestland needed for commercial plantations by producing more wood off fewer acres of land.  The test headed by ArborGen will demonstrate if the strain of 200,000 eucalyptus trees modified to withstand cold weather (eucalyptuses cannot currently be grown north of Florida due to freezing spells) can become a new source of wood and biofuels.  But of course, there are risks that must be taken into consideration.

Although there are already genetically modified crops grown in this country, forests have the potential for even more problems and therefore more opposition.  Trees live longer and carry pollen farther.  Not to mention, eucalyptus trees are water guzzlers and could harbor a fungus that causes illness in humans.

If ArborGen receives the new permit it will be allowed to plant trees on 28 sites over 300 acres, while flowering (or reproducing) has been allowed on only 2 of the sites.  However, the trees are currently genetically altered to produce no pollen and ArborGen will have to apply for another permit to produce the trees commercially.  While serious detrimental effects are presently unknown, we must be weary of practices that alter natural ways of the land and question the short and long-term ecological impacts.

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