The Eucalyptus tree is also known as the gum tree and is only able to grow in warm environments. It is commonly found in Australia, Philippines, and Taiwan. It is a flowering tree and found in over 700 species; however most of the species are found in Australia only. The tree offers many benefits, making it an easy choice for potential genetic modification. The eucalyptus is a great source of wood and oil. Eucalyptus oil is great for cleaning and it works well as a natural insecticide. They also grow extremely rapidly and can produce a full canopy in only a few years. The tree also has several other beneficial qualities.
ArborGen wants to create a genetically modified version of the eucalyptus to be able to withstand cold weathers better. It could be a really good source of wood and allow for higher timber exports. The extra wood could also be use for a source of biofuel feedstock. Skeptics are concerned the tree could grow out of control. ArborGen assures us that they have provided a genetic tweak that will prevent the trees from reproducing. However, anytime you are genetically modifying a plant and trying new things with science, no one really knows what the result could potentially be! I would say it is definitely worth a try though. We need to move forward in the advancement of technology and science. We also need to do something about our dimensioning fossil fuels. If we could find an alternative to fossil fuels through the eucalyptus tree, it is at least worth a shot. We should not live in fear of the negative aspects or negative potential outcomes of genetically modified plants. If we could end up benefitting from them, it is at least worth a shot. We will know if it doesn’t work out and we will just try something new!
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