Oregon State University. (2018, August 3). Groundbreaking poplar study shows trees can be genetically engineered not to spread. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 19, 2018 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180803160207.htm

A study by Oregon State University Researchers has discovered that trees can be genetically engineered to not spread. The researchers’ purpose was not necessarily to curb a forest’s tree population. Instead, the results of this study can be used to prevent the spread of invasive species that have established themselves. The results are also promising for people who fear “that GMO trees will take over the world.” The trees were made sterile through genetic alteration. The study is praised for its extensiveness and the cooperation of government and scientific institutions.

The environmental implications of this new study are that we have once again discovered that we can alter entire ecosystems and species through the use of genetic engineering. Whereas the forest management of today means controlled fires and clearing, the forest management of the future may be genetic engineering certain traits or genetic engineering to favor the reproduction of certain trees. The forest ecosystem is one that is important on a global scale, as the largest forests are found outside of the United States, and because forest provide many ecosystem services we rely on, such as the storing of carbon emissions, the production of oxygen, among others.