One of the proposed gene altering strategies to increase tree growth rates involves shutting off the tree's ability to reproduce so that all the organism's energy goes towards development instead of fertility. According to NFN, companies can now alter trees to substantially reduce lignin, a component of the cell walls in trees and other plants that is essential for the structure of the plant, aiding in strength and vascular functions. Pulp and paper companies must remove the lignin from wood pulp to make paper. The actual processes that form lignin are poorly understood, and how diminished production of essential enzymes within may affect other functions is unknown,'' says NFN, in a recent newsletter to its members. The altering of lignin production underlies that more research is required to fill gaps in the understanding of tree biology and ecology, say environmentalists.
Trees are very complex organisms.
Given all of the unknowns, WWF is urging governments to declare a moratorium on the commercial release of GM trees and encouraging the industrial forest sector to do the same voluntarily. With A Friend Common Dreams NewsCenter is a non-profit news service providing breaking news and views for the Progressive Community. This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.