Wood Formation in Trees

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action FP0905 is aimed at evaluating the scientifi c knowledge of genetically modifi ed trees (GMT) related to biosafety protocols and coordinating existing and new information from various European countries. This will help to provide a basis for future EU policy and regulation recommendations regarding the use of GM forest trees. The COST Action FP0905 started the 12th of April 2010 and it will end the 11th of April 2014. Actually, 27 COST countries have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Seven NON-COST countries are also involved in the Action. The main objective of the COST Action is to evaluate the scientific knowledge relevant for GMT biosafety protocols by putting together already existing information generated in various European and Non-EU countries as basis for future EU policy and regulation for the environmental impact assessment and the safe development and use of GMTs. To reach its objective, the Action work plan is organized in 4 Working Groups (WGs). [br/] WG1 has launched the building of a database that gather the current knowledge on fi eld trials and greenhouse experiments with transgenic trees. The expected outcome is to develop a clear factual overview of the status of GMTs in European and non-European countries. WG2 is launching and moving through expert-based surveys to: 1) evaluate the environmental impacts of GMTs, 2) assess the effi ciency of existing transgene containment strategies, and 3) investigate effective pre- and post-market monitoring techniques. WG3 is conducting two types of surveys to understand the kind of policies needed to meet the concerns of the society in relation to the use of GMTs. Through WG4 fi nally, accurate and science-based information is being communicated through a website including an open discussion forum to educate the general public on technical, socio-economic and environmental aspects of GM forest trees.