Genetically modified trees: An environmental risk?

People have been developing genetically modified (GM) trees since 1986. The GM trees that have been developed so far contain new traits, like cold tolerance, insect resistance, virus resistance or modified wood characteristics, e.g. a lower lignin content. Over 700 release trials have taken place. But how safe are transgenic trees? What are the findings to date? GMO Safety spoke to Matthias Fladung of the Johann-Heinrich von Thünen Institute (vTI).

Research Woody Plants

“It works just like traditional apple breeding, but it’s quicker.”

Genetic engineering is of particular interest to apple breeders because it can considerably speed up the lengthy breeding process, which can take several decades. GMO Safety spoke to Henryk Flachowsky from the Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural and Fruit Crops about the main areas of research and his work at the institute in Dresden-Pillnitz.more

Research Live

A reporter gene (green fluorescent protein, GFP) makes the leaves glow green under UV light if the marker gene has been removed.

Wine research: long drawn-out processes

The main focus of the Grapevine Biotechnology Department at the AlPlanta Institute for Plant Research in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse is on practical issues relating to wine-growing, such as the development of virus- and fungus-resistant grape varieties. Where classic breeding methods fail, the scientists here develop and use genetic engineering methods that are refined as part of the biological safety research programme.more