What are GE Trees?

What exactly are done to these genetically engineered trees?

Genetically engineered trees have introduced new attributes into plants and trees through newly discovered technologies. GE technologies have been increasingly used to either “modify the expression of specific genes rendering those plants resistant to herbicides or insect attacks. More so, there is technology available to “not only add to the quality and yield of agricultural products, but also to address a range of environmental and human health problems in both developed and developing countries” (Walter 2004).

The IDEAL “SUPER” TREES designed by industries possess certain traits such as:

REDUCED LIGNIN

Lignin is a component of the tree’s cell wall which is essential for the structure of the plant, lending strength and aiding in vascular functions. The lignin, however, must be removed from wood pulp to make paper. In order to reduce lignin, industries disrupt metabolic pathways affecting the production of enzymes within the trees. Lowering the lignin in trees decreases the tree’s ability to withstand wind and affect a tree’s form (NFN 2000).

HERBICIDE RESISTANCE

Currently, technology for herbicide resistance exists and is used commonly. GE trees are “built” in ways in which the trees have the ability to withstand herbicides. Therefore, no matter how much herbicide is sprayed directly on or near the tree, the GE tree is capable of enduring it.

PEST/DISEASE-RESISTANT

Companies have used Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring soil bacteria which contains a substance toxic to the leaf-eating larvae of moths and butterflies. Agricultural crops as well as trees are injected with this chemical to fend off pests and other insect species. Similarly, due to movement of raw logs and unprocessed wood across nations, exotic pests and pathogens have spread worldwide. As a result, researchers developed an anti-fungal gene. Uses for these trees vary and may thrive in full shade, partial shade or full sun and a variety of soil conditions including wet soil, moist soil, or dry soil (Walter 2004).

RAPID GROWTH

Rapid-growing trees are undoubtedly necessary for companies gaining profit. These trees have the incredible ability to grow at higher rates and produce more wood on less land, lessening the demand on native forests.  These high growth rates have been achieved through cloning of eucalyptus trees and in hybrid and transgenic poplar. Since trees typically grow during warm climates, trees have also been altered to withstand and grow through colder climates.

THE STERILE TREE

According to the NFN, the most promising solution is to create sterile trees. With the elimination of tree reproduction of natural components such as nuts, flowers, cones, fruits, or seeds, allows for an increase focus in rapid growth.  With the worry of cross-pollination between GE trees and natural forests, researchers believe sterile trees would simply eliminate that problem (NFN 2000).

——————————————————————————————————————————–

(“Altering Life for Corporate Profit,”Native Forest Network).