Far-flung pine pollen still potent miles from the tree: Long-lived pine pollen might hinder containing transgenic trees

A new study suggests that pollen from the loblolly pine — the most commonly planted tree in the southern US — can still germinate after drifting long distances. The answer could have profound implications if and when the USDA approves transgenic trees. Far-flung pollen makes it difficult to prevent traits developed in transgenic trees from spreading to their wild counterparts, researchers say.