Scientists are using a controversial genetic engineering process to change the composition of the wood in the hope of turning trees into new energy sources. A major goal is to reduce the amount of lignin, a chemical compound that interferes with efforts to turn the tree’s cellulose into bio-fuels like ethanol. Environmentalists say such work can be risky, because lignin provides trees with structural stiffness and resistance to pests. Even some scientists working on altering wood composition acknowledge that reducing lignin too much could lead to unstable, vulnerable trees. Vincent L. Chiang, co-director of the forest biotechnology group at North Carolina State University, has developed transgenic trees with as little as half the lignin of their natural counterparts. ‘I think the transgenic tree with low lignin will contribute significantly to energy needs,’ he said.
Via: NYtimes
