GMO Eucalyptus Withstands Cold

Scientists have been successful at genetically modifying eucalyptus trees to withstand colder temperatures.

"Green biotechnology" may facilitate eucalyptus as an efficient and renewable raw material even in regions with cool winters. Scientists at the ArborGen firm have transferred a gene from a cold-tolerant plant that makes eucalyptus less sensitive to frost. In field trials, the trees withstood temperatures as low as –6°C without collapse. This would allow, for example, cultivation in the USA to expand from the southernmost tip of Florida to the entire south coast.

Research is being conducted at 29 locations in the United States for more sustainable agriculture for producing more wood in smaller areas.