GM pine trees
Science programme: Gene-based insect science
Where will our wood come from in the future? The world's consumption of wood is increasing and will continue to do so for decades.
Genetically modified trees in intensively managed plantations may provide a solution and also save our native forests. See Where will the wood come from? (from TRENDS in Biotechnology Vol.20 No. 7 July 2002).
Scientists at Forest Research have started a field test under strict conditions imposed by ERMA (Environment and Risk Management Authority) using pine and spruce trees genetically modified for herbicide resistance and altered reproduction.
Our team at HortResearch is studying the non-target impacts of other pine trees modified by Forest Research for insect resistance and improved fibre.
In an experiment to determine the impact of the GM pine we are using a native leafroller caterpillar as prey, and a parasitoid introduced to New Zealand to control pest leafrollers as its natural enemy.
We will measure the impacts of the GM pine on both the prey (feeding, survival, development and behaviour) and the parasitoid (behaviour, eggs laid, development, survival, larvae emerging, cocoons formed, adults emerging, sex ratio). These experiments are being done in containment.
Information on the world's forest resources is available from the FAO website. Specific publications are:
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