Genetically modified tree

Technician checks on genetically modified peach and apple "orchards". Each dish holds experimental trees grown from lab-cultured cells to which researchers have given new genes. Source: USDA.

A genetically modified tree (GMt, GM tree, genetically engineered tree, GE tree or transgenic tree) is a tree whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. In most cases the aim is to introduce a novel trait to the plant which does not occur naturally within the species. Examples include resistance to certain pests, diseases, environmental conditions, and herbicide tolerance, or the alteration of lignin levels in order to reduce pulping costs.

Genetically modified forest trees are not yet approved ("deregulated") for commercial use with the exception of insect-resistant poplar trees in China[1][2] and one case of GM Eucalyptus in Brazil.[3] Several genetically modified forest tree species are undergoing field trials for deregulation, and much of the research is being carried out by the pulp and paper industry, primarily with the intention of increasing the productivity of existing tree stock.[4] Certain genetically modified orchard tree species have been deregulated for commercial use in the United States including the papaya and plum.[5] The development, testing and use of GM trees remains at an early stage in comparison to GM crops.[6]

  1. ^ Wang, H. (2004). "The state of genetically modified forest trees in China" (PDF). Preliminary Review of Biotechnology in Forestry, Including Genetic Modification, Forest Genetic Resources Working Paper Forest Resources Development Service, Forest Resources Division. Rome, Italy. FAO: 96.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ Sedjo, R.A. (2005). "Will Developing Countries be the Early Adopters of Genetically Engineered Forests?" (PDF). AgBioForum. 8 (4): 205. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 April 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  3. ^ "Brazil approves transgenic eucalyptus". Nature Biotechnology. 33 (6): 577. 9 June 2015. doi:10.1038/nbt0615-577c. PMID 26057961.
  4. ^ Sedjo, R.A. (2010). "Transgenic Trees for Biomass: The Effects of Regulatory Restrictions and Court Decisions on the Pace of Commercialization" (PDF). AgBioForum. 13 (4): 391. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  5. ^ Sedjo, R.A. (2010). "Transgenic Trees for Biomass: The Effects of Regulatory Restrictions and Court Decisions on the Pace of Commercialization" (PDF). AgBioForum. 13 (4): 393. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  6. ^ Kanowski, Peter. "Genetically-modified trees: opportunities for dialogue A scoping paper for The Forests Dialogue" (PDF). The Forest Dialogue. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 February 2014. Retrieved 16 January 2014.