Among them are ways to suppress genes that produce lignin, a plant component that must be chemically removed to make paper. Other technologies include ways to make trees herbicide tolerant and to minimize crossbreeding risks by controlling their ability to reproduce. Trees headed for the market from ArborGen include genetically modified hardwoods like poplar and sweet gum, used for high-quality paper products. ArborGen also believes it can stock plantations of modified pine and eucalyptus trees, workhorse species that can be used for building products or ordinary paper pulp. We want to make sure that when we launch a product, it will be perceived by the public as being safe and beneficial.
Environmental groups are already concerned.
Steven Burke, the institute's director, argues fast-growing, efficient stands of modified trees could better serve the needs of the paper and wood industries while reducing chemical pollution from papermaking and leaving more wild forests alone. David Wheat of the Bowditch Group, a Boston-based agricultural technology consulting firm, says work is also progressing in labs and testing fields as far flung as Canada, Australia and South Africa. Va. She has written for Discover and New Scientist. This article has an online forum . Join us for a discussion.