Hybrid aspen is dioecious tree species. For the field trial the research group first uses for one year clone T89, which is male and may produce pollen. The purpose of this one-year pre-experiment is to test and confirm that the soil enrichment has been successful for the actual field experiment. Since the pre-experiment will last only one growing season, it is very unlikely that clone T89 will flower. In the actual experiment (from June 2014 to June 2107) clone 51, which is female, will be used. Thus, there is no risk through pollen dissemination. Both clones are monitored for flower development at regular intervals throughout the experimental periods. In hybrid aspen flower buds burst in spring before leaves and therefore it is easy to identify and eliminate all the possible catkins.
Additionally, the field area will be monitored at regular intervals for the formation of root suckers that will be uprooted and eliminated. Field experiment will be terminated by cutting down all the trees and the remaining stumps will be uprooted. After that, the experimental site will be monitored for any vegetative hybrid aspen material for additional three years. The field is surrounded by a fence and only authorized persons may access the area.
PLEASE NOTE: full risk assessment and the decision of the Finnish CA (both in Finnish only) are available on request from the secretariat of the Board for Gene Technology