Hypothetical scenario – ArborGen (a biotech company) has expressed a desire to plant test plots of genetically modified eucalyptus here at FGCU! This GM eucalyptus has been engineered with enhanced cold tolerance. This allows it to grow not only in Southwest Florida, but potentially as far north as South Carolina. As an eco-aware citizen, the USDA has subpoenaed you to testify on the merits and pitfalls of this plan. Do some research on the web and prepare a brief statement to the USDA addressing the following questions: • What is known about the ecology of the eucalyptus tree in general? • What are the benefits of this technology? • What are some of the potential intrinsic concerns? • What are some of the potential extrinsic concerns? • Can reasonable and cost-effective steps be taken to mitigate these risks? • Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

To Whom It May Concern,


The Eucalyptus tree is fast growing evergreen native to Australia and Tasmania and is a diverse tree with more than 700 species. It can grow anywhere between 30 to 200 feet tall and is said that Florida and Hawaii provides the best weather and conditions for its growth. The eucalyptus tree leaves produce waxy oil that prevents water loss in hot weather. Another benefit of the leave is that the oil it produces is used in soaps and perfumes, is an effective deodorizer and insect repellent and has many other uses. The tree also has medical benefits and produces biomass. If we wanted to use this tree as an energy source it would take about 785 liters of water just to produce one kilogram of biomass; this is a lot better than the 1000 liters potatoes need to produces the one kilogram of biomass. Some downfalls within its benefits: the tree can be toxic, it is flammable, it is an invasive species and it takes in a ton of water. Another big downfall is that some of the branches just suddenly fall off. An incident as this happened in Newport Beach and killed some!

There are some pros and cons to genetically modified eucalyptus trees. It could improve it and the environment could not be negatively affected. BUT on the other hand it could cause this tree to destroy our soil; because they are invasive they could spread many miles destroying lands of soil that will damage our food sources.

Now, can reasonable and cost-effective steps be taken to mitigate these risks? Yes, continue study of this tree before placing it next to my school or anywhere else. A lot of study and close attention is unquestionably needed with this talk of genetically modifying deal; GM productions can create and cause more damage than we could ever imagine.

With all that said, as an eco-aware citizen, I understand the benefits of placing such a tree and I also see the negativity. It is best for the environments and the populations’ heath if we steered away from such productions. The benefits definitely do not outweigh the risk.

Thank you,

A Concerned and Eco-aware Citizen