Could genetically engineered trees transfer their traits to other trees by cross pollination?
Tree pollen generally travels great distances, and cross pollination with other trees of the same or a related species is likely. However, the potential impact of gene flow from genetically engineered (GE) trees depends on many factors, including the species biology and the characteristics of the gene inserted. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency considers the potential for gene flow and its environmental impact as one of the main components of the environmental safety assessment process. If gene flow was determined to potentially have a negative effect on non-modified trees, a GE tree would be less likely to be granted unconfined environmental release.
