[Potential ecological risks of transgenic trees].
A new approach to genetic improvement of trees has been introduced with the birth of gene engineering technique. Compared to that in crops, gene introduction in trees has bigger potential ecological risk in environmental release and extension, because trees, most of which are wind-dispersed, grow on various habitats, have longer life span, and subject to relatively more extensive management. Extensive plantation of transgenic trees may reduce the genetic diversity of the trees concerned. Co-evolution of pests and pathogens is likely to be caused under the pressure of long-term and continuous selection of the trees derived from gene transferring. Escaping of exogenous gene may have a certain kind of influence on fitness of plants naturally generated, and as a result, have influence on species diversity in the natural world. It is not reasonable for China, a developing country, to reject gene introduction as an approach to promote forestry development. It is also important, on the other hand, to take future ecological safety into consideration because it is unwise to get present profit at the cost of future profit. To strengthen basic study on gene transferring, adopting safe management of varieties generated from gene transferring and increasing funds on research and management of transgenic trees are believed to be measures to decrease, to the greatest extent, ecological risks brought about by gene transferring of trees, and to quicken transformation of products of trees derived from gene-transferring into merchandises.
Kang
Xiangyang
X
Key Laboratory for Genetics & Breeding of Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, MOE, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China. Kangxy@bjfu.edu.cn
Liu
Zhimin
Z
Li
Shenggong
S
D017753:Ecosystem; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D014197:Trees / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development