Blog Post #7 - ArborGen

Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, beside inland bodies of water. The tree is subject to regular flooding in its natural habitat. These trees live hundreds of years. They are not native to Southwest Florida. If genetically modified eucalyptus was to be planted at FGCU, it would encroach on the natural species that currently inhabit the environment. According to The Heartland Institute however, scientists have "inserted a gene that prevents the cold tolerant eucalyptus trees from pollinating." Intrinsic concerns include the alteration of the natural species, causing unknown effects on other aspects of that species (IE... the cold resistant gene may cause a deficiency somewhere else). The life-cycles of surrounding environments will change because of the introduction of this new species. The only benefits of the introduction of this alien plant species are short term. They will have a positive effect on the paper and eucalyptus product industries in colder climates/seasons, but at a much larger cost to the environment, by disrupting the natural ecosystem.