Environmentalists yesterday warned of the dangers of genetically modified super-trees which can cross pollinate with native trees over a distance of 400 miles and which are being grown in field trials without knowledge of the consequences.
The tree helped build industrial America before disease wiped out an estimated three billion or more of them. To revive their lost glory, we may need to embrace tinkering with nature.
Researchers are proposing to genetically modify trees to green the wood pulp industry. The practice, however, carries biodiversity risks, warns an Asian expert.
Carbon-guzzling trees and crops, genetically altered to boost photosynthesis and store carbon in the roots, could absorb millions of tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere
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It’s a great idea, but genetically modified trees could also pose a threat to natural trees growing in forests.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/1999/nov/10/gmcrops.gm
Genetic modification can also help to save endangered tree species.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/30/magazine/american-chestnut.html
GMO trees can be an excellent idea for paper, lumber, and other industries that rely on a regular supply of trees.
The U.S. is adding genetically modified plants to their forests.
GMO supertrees can capture more carbon than regular trees, helping avert a climate crisis.