The world’s first genetically modified elm tree that is resistant to Dutch elm disease has been successfully grown – but the Forestry Commission has ruled out its immediate use because of continuing fears about the environmental implications of GM material.
The University of Abertay Dundee disclosed this week that it had transferred anti-fungal genes into the elm to create GM modified elms that can fight off the killer fungus. Professor Kevan Gartland, who heads up an eight-strong research team at the university that has been working on the project for the past 10 years, says GM elm trees have been grown to 1.5m in height.
The trees have been developed under strict laboratory conditions to prevent the risk of accidental release of GM material into the environment.
Despite helping to fund the project, the Forestry Commission has said it has no plans at present to plant the GM-modified elms.
A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission said: ‘Our policy is that GM organisms should not be used until such time that there is approval based on a careful assessment of any potential damage to the environment or humans.’
The research team’s next step will be to apply to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to conduct a field trial.
Since 1970 more than 20 million elms in the UK have fallen victim to the Dutch elm disease and more than 70% of US mature elms have been destroyed.
