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Scion GM trees felled
Following the ending of the genetically modified pinus radiata trial at Scion's Rotorua site, the trees have now been felled and will be chipped and composted on-site.
Scion planted out the 67 GM pines and seven unmodified pine trees in 2003 with the aim of assessing genes controlling reproductive development of the trees. The trees had been modified with ‘reporter and selection’ genes which allowed their behaviour to be traced by scientists as the trees grew.
The Scion research was publicly funded under the Government's Biotechnology Strategy and the site itself was blessed by the late Kaumatua and Rangatira Eria Moke.
In January this year, Scion staff found the perimeter security fence had been tunnelled under and 19 trees felled. A Police investigation of the breach of containment was begun.
Opponents of the trial alleged rabbits were passing in and out of the site by burrowing
under the fence. However, a MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) investigation found no evidence that rabbits had tunnelled under the fence, which extends 1.5 metres underground.
It was not one of the controls on the trial that a fence be built to keep out rabbits – the purpose was to keep out people, which was why it was electrified.
The MAFBNZ investigation concluded that the research was managed in accordance with the Scion approval, with one minor exception when a mowing contractor ran over some prunings that had been drying on the ground prior to being incinerated.
Scion states results to date show no evidence of the modified genes having been transferred to other organisms or of a detrimental impact on insect diversity by the modified pines. There was also no evidence of impacts on microorganism populations that live in close association with the pine roots.
The site will continue to be monitored by MAFBNZ.
Felled Pines at Scion's Rotorua test site
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Perspective is the newsletter of the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) and is published three times a year.
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Editor: Mark Walles | PERSPECTIVE | ERMA New Zealand | PO Box 131, Wellington | Phone: +64 4 916 2426 | Fax: +64 4 914 0433