GE trees "could cause ecological disaster"

Published: 9:25AM Sunday July 18, 2010 Source: Newstalk ZB/ONE News

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

There is a warning of an ecological disaster, if plans to field trial genetically modified pine trees go ahead.

Crown Research Institute Scion has made an application for the trial.

It wants to plant a new strain of pine trees which have been genetically engineered to grow faster.

GE Free New Zealand claims Scion is deliberately ignoring the threat the trial poses to the country's ecosystem.

Spokeswoman Claire Bleakley said the application claims pine pollen can only travel 300 centimetres, but research over a long period of time shows pine pollen can actually spread up to 60 kilometres.

She said it would be a disaster if GE pollen got into the wild.

"GE pines are not sustainable and will create serious damage. It will be our children and future generations who will be left to live with the consequences."

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

Latest NZ News Video

NZ News

Most Popular

  1. Britney Spears disappears during X Factor filming
  2. Death threat at children's football game
  3. Boy saves dog from cricket bat attack
  4. Man in life-threatening condition after near drowning
  5. New Zealand to host world's largest telescope watch

rssLatest News

Advertising

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.