This book provides up-to-date information on the environmental impact of transgenic trees on genetically modified tree (GMT) communication strategy. It is useful to public/private organisations as well as to private and public research bodies and universities worldwide since it reports on the global status of GMT research and policy. A high number of genetically modified trees (GMTs) with altered or novel characteristics have been produced in the last 15 years. However, their very low public acceptance is a basic problem in their commercialization. Breeders anticipate economic and ecological benefits, like reduced product costs and less pressure on native forests, while opponents fear risks, such as unintended spread of GMTs. But what is true? To answer this question, the COST Action FP0905 focused on key aspects related to GMTs: (a) biological characterization; (b) assessment of possible environmental impacts; (c) socio-economic implications and public acceptance/concerns; (d) providing science-based information to communicate with the public.

Inhalt
Introduction.- Genetic engineering contribution to forest tree breeding efforts.- New transformation technologies for trees.- Lessons from 25 years of GM tree field trials in Europe and prospects for the future.- Lessons from two decades of field trials with genetically modified trees in the USA: Biology and regulatory compliance.- Specific environmental considerations for GM trees and guidance on their risk assessment and monitoring.- Field trials with GM trees: A step-by-step approach.- Soil effects of genetically-modified trees (GMTs).- Potential Environmental Impact of Insect-Resistant Transgenic Trees.- Potential impacts of GM trees on the environment and on plant omics: questionnaire-based responses.- Approaches and tools for a socio-economic assessment of GM forest tree crops: Factors for consideration in Cost-Benefit Analyses.- Public knowledge and perceptions of safety issues towards the use of genetically modified forest trees: A cross-country pilot survey.- A COMPARATIVEANALYSIS OF CONSUMERS' POTENTIAL PURCHASING BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS TRANSGENIC DERIVED FOREST PRODUCTS: THE GREEK CASE.- Socio-economic considerations for decision making on GM tree cultivation.- Value communication in the field of agri-food.- The COST Action FP0905 experience on the Web: Web 2.0 and scientific dissemination.