An abundance of poplars

Compared with genetically modified agricultural crops, which are already grown commercially throughout the world, transgenic woody plants play… more

“In the discussion about genetically modified trees also the advantages should be considered”

Genetically modified (GM) trees are being developed since 1986. Over 700 release trials have taken place. But how safe are transgenic trees? W… more

Woody plants: Preventing spread

Woody plants have one particular characteristic which is very significant for the risk assessment of genetic interventions: they have an extre… more

New traits in woody plants

Quickly growing trees with high yields, trees with less lignin for simpler production of paper, apples that are resistant against the dangerou… more

“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 ca… more

“From a genetic perspective the potential is huge.”

Poplars are fast-growing trees. This makes them attractive as a source of renewable raw materials. GMO Safety spoke to Dr Matthias Fladung … more

“If we introduce a fungus-resistance gene into a Riesling, it is still a Riesling.”

Some of the most serious problems in wine-growing are fungal and viral diseases, which wine-growers have trouble combating, even with pesti… more

“… they don’t spread unchecked”

The Federal Centre for Breeding Research on Cultivated Plants (BAZ) in Dresden-Pillnitz developed genetically modified apple trees with the ai… more