Some studies have indicated that these trees may simply move the metals from the soil into the air through trees' leaves. Sterilization techniques have been sought to calm down the public about concerns that the above traits will move into wild species through horizontal gene transfer. As yet, these efforts have been unsuccessful. But if successful, these ventures will produce trees that will have no flowers or seed, and will be barren for insects, birds and other animals. Ricarda Steinbrecher Mutant research is being done on approximately 35 different tree species.
Some species are relatively easy to mutate, such as poplars.
But most other species are more difficult to mutate. Mutant methods are moving ahead quickly. Trees are much more difficult to mutate than other plants because different genetic traits make them susceptible to different insects and diseases at different stages in their developments. Also, trees are subject to more stresses over longer periods of time than other plants. Cloned plantations are prone to devastating losses due to insects and diseases because, even though they may be engineered to withstand certain stresses, such as attacks by certain insects or diseases, there are always other insects and diseases cannot be anticipated.