The Rural Voice, 2005-04, Page 52Woodlot
Management
Geneticallg-altered
trees: blessing or
problem?
Steve Bowers
is a forester
and forest
owner, a
member of
the Huron -
Perth
Chapter of
the Ontario
Woodlot
Association
and
Stewardship
Co-ordinator with the Huron
Stewardship Council.
GM (genetically modified)
technology in agriculture has
received significant attention in
recent years. Viewpoints have
ranged from glowing praise for
benefits the modified organisms can
provide, to serious concerns over
potential impacts on human health
and other organisms.
Recently I have read several
articles about GM trees. While GM
trees have not generated as much
negative reaction as GM food crops,
some people are suggesting that there
is much greater cause for concern
than with food crops.
GM forestry research is focused
on several key topics including
creating faster -growing trees,
modifying characteristics of the
wood, developing resistance to
insects or herbicides and creating
sterile trees.
It is logical that forest industries
funding research would be interested
in trees that grow faster. Demand for
wood and wood fiber is increasing.
Some people suggest that we may
need genetically enhanced trees and
their corresponding increased yields
in order to meet future needs. Others
predict that faster growing trees may
also sequester carbon at a faster rate,
helping to reduce greenhouse gases.
Opponents point to studies that ind-
icate faster growing GM trees may
Continued on page 52
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