by Keith Richmond
FRIENDS of the Earth have hit out at controversial plans by scientists at Southampton University to grow genetically modified trees on Forestry Commission land.
It is the first time scientists have tried to grow GM trees in Britain since 1999 when activists destroyed 115 modified trees in Berkshire.
Environmental campaigners say the dangers of contamination – especially as trees live so long – the complex mechanics of tree reproduction and the risk to biodiversity are all so great the idea should be rejected.
Clare Oxborrow of Friends of the Earth said: “There have been calls around the world for a global ban – or at least a moratorium – on genetically modified trees because of
their ecological impact. Playing around with the fundamental characteristics of a tree
has serious ecological implications for other trees.
“If GM trees transfer traits to the wild tree population, the effect could be devastating for natural forest ecosystems and the communities dependent on them.”
The Forestry Commission will not make a decision on the proposed trials – to reduce the lignin content of poplars – until early next year.
Lignin keeps trees rigid and protects them from disease, but reducing the substance might make it easier to turn them into pulp or ethanol for biofuels.
If the Commission approves the idea it will then go to DEFRA, as the ministry has the final say. A similar application was rejected by the Belgian government earlier this year.
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