Scientists at the site of Crown Research Institute Scion`s
genetic modification field trial were today celebrating the end of a
successful scientific trial and the contribution the results will make
to the ongoing discussion on genetic modification in New Zealand.
The research trial was installed in Rotorua in 2003 with the
express purpose of assessing the impacts, if any, of transgenic trees
on the environment. The trees had been modified with genes known as
"reporter and selection genes" and genes related to reproductive
development. These genes have distinct qualities that allowed their
behaviour to be traced by scientists, as the trees grew.
Results to date show:
. No evidence of the modified genes having transferred to other organisms.
. No evidence of detrimental impact on insect diversity by the genetically modified pine.
. No evidence of impacts on the microorganism populations that live in close association with the pine roots.
. The expression of introduced genes is stable over several years.
Scion chief executive Dr Tom Richardson says that despite
attempts by some groups to derail the science, the trial has been a
success.
"The most important outcome from this is that New Zealanders
have access to unbiased, comprehensive scientific information that can
be used to inform the discussion on genetic modification," he says.
"We are now able to provide scientific, valid information on
the risks associated with the introduction of transgenic trees that is
specific to New Zealand.
"The results from this research trial support the argument
that genetically modified trees are low-risk and can be safely
introduced into the environment, without having a negative effect on
other organisms.
"What`s more, genetic modification can be used safely and effectively
to add value to the forestry industry by strengthening specific traits
in trees, which in turn could lead to environmental benefits such as
increased carbon sequestration, increased feedstock options for the
sustainable production of biofuels and by making a positive
contribution to the mitigation of climate change."
In 2000, the New Zealand government established a Royal Commission on
Genetic
Modification of Organisms (GMO). A key finding of the Commission was
that there is nothing inherently unsafe about genetic engineering and
that New Zealand should maintain its opportunities to develop plant and
medical biotechnology based on GMOs.
The Commission concluded that New Zealand should proceed to explore
genetic modification carefully, minimising and managing risks. It
specifically identified a need for research into the environmental
impacts of GM.
The trial specifically addressed this area in response to many
of the concerns raised about genetic modification - concerns that
modified genes could be inadvertently transferred from transgenic
plants, into the wider environment.
Dr Richardson says: "In the case of this trial, our results show that
this did not occur. The trial has been monitored for nearly five years
and there is no evidence of gene transfer into other organisms, or
negative impact in the soil environment or insect population in and
around the trial site.
Despite the end of the trial, monitoring at the site will
continue for another two years even after the trees have been removed,
aimed at detecting any potential gene transfer. The site will continue
to be monitored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF),
whose role it is to ensure the trial complies with the standards set
out by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA).
Contact
Deborah
Gray
Scion
Marketing and Communications
Scion Research
Phone: + 64 (0) 7 343 5757
Mobile: + 64 (0) 21 579 488
Copyright 2008 New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited
