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WRM information sheets on GE tree research
Little is known about GE tree research in Russia and even less about field trials. However, a research article published in September 2006 in “New Forests (Volume 32, Number 2), informs that a transgenic poplar (Populus tremula) was grown “outside during 3 years”, which means that there has been at least one open air GE tree field trial in this country.
Recent press articles have informed about plans to plant some 300,000 genetically modified aspens and birch trees -currently in greenhouses- in the open air near the cities of St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod. According to those reports, planting would take place in the Autumn of 2009.
In order to raise awareness about this serious threat, WRM has produced an information sheet containing the basic information we have been able to compile on this issue. You can assist us in improving and updating the information sheet by sending us relevant information.
First posted: 8 July 2009
Last update: August 2014
Forest tree species being manipulated:
- Aspen (Populus tremula) and Birch (Betula sp) (1,2)
- Cembra pine (Pinus cembra) and Poplar (3)
Aim of genetic manipulation:
- Faster growth (1, 2, 3)
- Harder wood pulp (4)
Those carrying out the research:
- Institute for Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences (4)
- Siberian Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry of Plants, Northern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (Irkutsk) (3)
Regulatory framework for research and field trials:
- Russian legislation until 2009 banned large plantations of transgenic plants According to a Pravda article, “scientists expect that the ban will be lifted soon” (2)
- In April and May 2014, under the influence of the clash with the EU and USA, the Russian Prime Minister Medvedev announced that Russia is and will stay a country free of all GMOs, including GM trees.(6)
Field trials:
- A research report abstract on transgenic poplar (Populus tremula), published in September 2006 in “New Forests (Volume 32, Number 2), states that the plants were grown “ outside during 3 years” (5)
- In the autumn (October) of 2009, 300,000 genetically modified aspens and birch trees, currently in greenhouses, were planned to be planted in the open air - until then planting was only done in greenhouses - near the cities of St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod (1, 4)
Organizations opposing GE trees:
- Greenpeace Russia
- Friends of the Siberian Forests
Sources:
- Russian biologists plan to plant 300,000 genetically modified aspens and birch trees at two experimental fields, Informnauka news agency reports. June 18, 2009
- Mutant forests to be planted in Russia
http://english.pravda.ru/science/tech/04-07-2009/107942-Mutant_forests-0 - Transgene Aspen And Cloned Karelian Birch,17.06.2003
http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/life-sciences/report-19227.html - http://www.safetybio.agri.kps.ku.ac.th/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5762&Itemid=42
- Transgenic poplar with enhanced growth by introduction of the ugt and acb genes
- http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11056-005-6100-1#page-1
- Email communication from Andrey Laletin – Friends of the Siberian Forests
