New Zealand?s most comprehensive, independent scientific field trial
of genetically modified trees has been completed, with results showing no
environmental impact from the trial and no evidence of gene transfer to
other organisms.
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).


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