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Is it possible to genetically engineer fast-growing but sterile trees that are 5x the height and width of mature hardwoods? Plant one in every sizeable park, gr
by drak0n1c 1y ago
Is it possible to genetically engineer fast-growing but sterile trees that are 5x the height and width of mature hardwoods? Plant one in every sizeable park, greenbelt, and plaza. Would add some nice green variety to skylines and suburbs and make for comfortable shade for much of the surrounding area and trails. The only downside is liability and danger of falling limbs, especially during storms.
- MrVandemar 1y agoI doubt it. Where would these enormous fast-growing trees get their hefty nutrient requirements from?
- card_zero 1y agoSpecifically, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_photosynthesis#Some_advantages,_disadvantages,_and_efficiency https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_photosynthesis#Some... "the efficiency of photosynthesis ... is usually below 1%, ... However, plants are efficient in using CO2 at atmospheric concentrations," This engineered tree would have to pump CO2 into itself.
- MrVandemar 1y agoNutrients are largely material that plants draw from the earth, not atmospheric gasses.
- card_zero 1y agoI figured that's a detail, when the goal is to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
- apercu 1y agoI know nothing about this but typically fast growing trees are less sturdy (they shed a lot of branches) and short-lived.