Genetically modified trees and their applications

¶ … Genetically Modified Trees

Scientists and environmentalists must join one another in support of genetically modified trees. Biotechnology has afforded mankind a new method for preserving and restoring the natural landscape of the earth through genetic engineering. The use of genetically modified trees will not only help support the natural landscape but also improve preservation efforts and encourage balance between the needs of environmentalists and commercial enterprises.

For thousands of years mankind has relied on trees for economic and health reasons. In recent years however the landscape has significantly changed as more and more natural forests are depleted to due natural and unnatural causes. This has resulted in multiple deleterious effects on both the health, economy and well being of mankind and the environment. Biotechnology has afforded new hope however, allowing researchers to produce artificial trees offering many of the same benefits, if not more benefits than natural forests offer both commercially and environmentally. The use of genetic engineering to manufacture trees is a safe, sound and highly promising area of technology. These ideas are explored in greater detail below.

Support for Genetic Engineering

There are many cases where having a genetically modified tree is desirable. This is the case for example for the papaya tree, a tree often attacked by the papaya ringspot virus, a virus that can not only reduce fruit production but also destroy papaya trees in multiple areas including in Jamaica, Venezuela, Australia and more (Avise 2004). Failure of certain trees to thrive due to viruses may result in upward of $45 million dollars in expenses annually to countries that rely on certain trees for fruit and other agricultural production (Avise 2004).

Cornell University scientists recently cloned the gene necessary to produce genetically modified papaya trees resistant to this virus, thus "immunizing the trees from the virus" (Avise 2004:4). In this case this not only boosts papaya production but also ensures the rich agricultural revenues many countries rely on when farming trees for a living.

Studies suggest that genetically engineered trees are just as sturdy as traditional trees and may grow even faster than normal trees, in part due to an increase in cellulose production (Avise 2004). Recent studies suggest pin, aspen and eucalyptus trees are also good candidates for genetic engineering.

Opponents suggest the long-term ecological impacts of genetic engineering are impossible to assess and possibly counter (Avise 2004). For example, many question whether fungi and bacteria will respond to genetically modified tress, as well as plants and animals. By and large it is likely that most of the ecological effects will be subtle, but it is good to point out that these trees will have to be monitored for extensive periods of time to assess the long-term effects of genetically engineered trees (Avise 2004). It is possible for example that these tress might degrade faster after they die, which may impact cavity nesting birds or other species that reside in rotting wood (Avise 2004).

Studies by and large however support use of genetically engineered trees, reporting that most remain healthy over extended periods of time and act just as natural trees with both insects, plant and animal species and even microbes (Avise 2004). Most yield high quality pulp and produce environmental benefits, including enhancing the efficiency of "wood product industries, thereby lessening harvesting pressures on native stands" (Avise 2004). Use of genetically modified tress for supplying pulp and paper may dramatically help meet the needs for wood products without decimating forests and negatively impacting natural woodlands (Avise, 2004).

Public debate continues regarding the applications of genetically altered trees and other forms of agriculture (Sierra Club 2005). There are other concerns raised that new genes utilized in genetically engineered trees may interfere with natural forestry, a risk that certainly exists (Sierra Club 2005). However this doesn't overwhelm the benefits or potential applications of genetically altered trees. Commercial development of trees without environmental safeguards might be hazardous as the Sierra Club points out. As such groups like this often oppose deployment of out of doors genetically engineered technology because these trees are free to pollinate at will.

The fact of the matter is however many opponents are consumed with the 'what ifs'. What if for example genetically engineered pine trees grow without pine cones (Sierra Club 2005). What if animals don't live in genetically modified trees? What if genetically engineered trees grow in a manner different than expected? What if unnecessary "improvements" are made on such trees that result in disaster (Sierra Club 005)? Fortunately many of the fears and concerns generated by such groups are unfounded. Much of the testing that has been done thus far has been careful to analyze the potential mishaps that might result from genetically engineered processes, and a majority of these studies have confirmed the risks even to the natural environment at present are minimal compared with the advantages we stand to gain from use of genetically modified trees (Avise 2004; USA Today, 2005).

The use of genetically engineered trees has virtually saved the papaya industry in Hawaii, and many other industries stand to gain from similar advances (USA Today 2005). The United States Department of Agriculture, researchers at Oregon State University, ArborGen and even the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency are working diligently to commit further resources to exploring the possibilities genetic engineering may offer and promote the benefits genetically modified trees may bring to natural forestry (USA Today 2005).

The benefits genetically engineered trees have to offer are numerous. Among the more commonly reported benefits genetically engineered trees have to offer include increased productivity of wood, including industrial wood, decreased pressure on natural forests to supply commercial needs, restoration of trees damaged by environmental hazards, genetic problems, viruses, insects or more, "bioremediation" or use of trees to help remove toxins and heavy metals from contaminated soils and restoration of the natural environment and landscape in many instances (Sedjo 2004). It is also possible that at some point in the future these trees and other plants may be modified to create even more improvements or generate other social and economic benefits not yet identified (Sedjo 2004).

One thing is certain; the population of natural trees and forests particularly old growth forests is declining (Booth 1994). Natural forests have been exploited for thousands of years, to the point where many old growth forests are past the point of preservation (Booth 1994). Attitudes toward preservation remain grim particularly from commercial entities that depend on forests for economic and capitalistic reasons. If patterns continue and forests continue to be devalued and destroyed at some point researchers and environmentalists will have no choice but turn to genetically modified trees to help preserve the earth's natural landscape.

Conclusions/Recommendations

It is important that researchers and environmentalists join one another in support of genetically engineered trees. Studies have already pointed out the many benefits genetically engineered trees have to offer society. The use of such trees in a controlled manner may provide a cost benefit approach that will not only encourage valuation of the worlds forests but also encourage more economically sound practices that promote the interests of both commercial and environmental groups (Booth 1994).