Are Bioengineered Eucalyptus Trees the Future Forests?

I have always felt a close connection with trees...maybe it's because my grandfather was a forester, who knows? Regardless of how my love of trees and forests developed, I really identify with them, and I think it's so important for humanity to preserve the remaining natural forests that we have left.

While perusing the news boards, I found a trial experiment is being conducted with eucalyptus trees. Apparently, the batch of trees that are being planted are genetically modified to withstand cold conditions. If the experiment is successful, these types of trees will be used for the paper industry and even biofuels. While this may be a sustainable alternative to investigate and research, what are the environmental repercussions?

Approximately 300 acres are being used for this trial study, but shouldn't we be studying this on a smaller scale first? According to some critics, natural characteristics of this tree such as the fact that it drinks up lots of water are just some potential issues.

For more information about these bioengineered trees, read more here.

Posted by Marina Hanes at 5/13/2010 4:59 PM
Categories: News
Tags: tree experiment eucalyptus trees genetically modified trees bioengineered trees
 

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