TPO 21 Integrated Task

The reading and the lecture are both about whether it is good idea to plant genetically modified trees.
The author of the reading believes there are three reasons why genetically modified trees are beneficial.
The lecturer challenges the statements made by the author. She is of the opinion that they pose a serious problem and are costly.
First of all, the author suggests that genetically modified trees are resistent to threats, such as virus. It is mentioned that, as an example, a new papaya tree has been designed to resist the ringspot virus. As a result, it has solved the ringspot virus issue. The argument is refuted by the lecturer. She says genetically modified trees can not ensure their survival. Furthermore, she argues that natural trees are genetically more diverse while modified trees are uniform, which means in a variety of dangers, diverse population of trees can survive, meanwhile, the uniform gene trees can be completely wiped out.
Secondly, the article posits that there are economic benefits for genetically modified trees. The article notes since genetically modified trees can grow fast and yield more, they are favorable to tree farmers economically. The lecturer, however, casts doubt on this by mentioning that there are hidden costs. The lecturer elaborates on this by mentioning that companies charge three times for genetically modified tree seeds, and farmers have to pay company every time they use the seed.
Finally, it is stated in the reading that genetically modified trees can help saving natural tree. The author establishes that since demand of trees for timber and firewood are increasing, many natural trees and forests are being chopped down. So, genetically modified trees can satisfy these needs by their fast growing and more yield characteristics. The lecturer, on the other hand, opposes that genetically modified trees are harmful to local trees. She puts forth the idea that genetically modified trees grow aggressively, hence they can outcompete natural trees by taking their resources and places.