Transgenic eucalyptus: why genetics have created this fast-growing monster

What is all this tremendous amount of eucalyptus wood used for? For the production of furniture and building materials or to collect fruits and leaves? No, the world needs millions of eucalyptus trees for another - for making paper. Indeed, more than 1/3 of the whole world paper is made from eucalyptus wood. In general, almost any wood, both hardwood and softwood, is suitable for its production, but eucalyptus paper is of high quality and is in high demand in the world market. The simplicity of cultivation and the high quality of the final product and determined the choice of most companies in favor of eucalyptus.

The plantations of experimental eucalyptus caused a heated discussion in the USA, both among environmental scientists and in society. Researchers believe that plantations of genetically modified eucalyptus trees will have a negative impact on surrounding ecosystems. Seeds of these plants can be spread by wind over long distances, and that transgenic plants have spread in a remote area, scientists may find out too late.