Perception of biotech trees by Slovak university students – a comparative survey

Abstract

Acceptance of genetically modified plants is restricted in EU by legislation, while the attitude of public is not favourable as well. Surveys show that knowledge about GM plants is getting increased. Newly developed strategies on GM safety for environment can be a crucial aspect for the (partial) acceptance in future. GM trees as non-edible plants might appear as more admissible, however, are relatively rarely discussed. We performed a comparative survey on knowledge and perception of GM forest trees among students at four Slovak universities. We also compared their responses between as well as with the outcome of similar cross-country survey in frames of the COST Action FP0905. The results point to very similar attitude of Slovak students when compared with students from other countries, no significant difference between responses of males and females, but also influence of age as well as orientation of their study (natural sciences vs. economy) on view of GM tree safety and placing on the market.

In vitro culture initiation and regeneration of two highly productive clones of poplar

“…These important features, combined with the complete sequencing of the genome of Populus trichocarpa, made poplar a model plant offering molecular tools for basic research in genetics, physiology, and biochemistry of trees (Han et al 2000;Tuskan et al 2006;Kutsokon et al 2020). In recent decades, short-rotation plantations of fastgrowing trees for biomass production have been increasingly established worldwide (Wullschleger et al 2002;Aylott et al 2008;Kutsokon et al 2017;Moravčíková et al 2017). For the effective management of these plantations, it is important to properly select highly productive and easily propagated intensively growing clones.…”