Chinese scientists and Greenpeace are at odds about the impact of genetically engineered poplar trees on the environment.
Experts at the Chinese Academy of Forestry say transgenic poplars have been tested thoroughly and should pose no threat in the dry and arid conditions of northern China.
However, Greenpeace China says the trees pose an unpredictable threat, with their pollen possibly travelling great distances and spreading to unmodified poplars.
Two modified poplars, Poplar-12 and Poplar-741, have been planted since commercialisation of the trees was approved in 2002.
About 200ha of Poplar-12, which has been genetically altered to resist insect attack, have so far been planted, while only 3ha of Poplar-741 are currently being grown.
