In the lecture, the professor casts doubt on the reading passage's idea that
planting genetically modified trees benefits a lot. The professor asserts that the
arguments and evidence of the passage are not convincing. According to the
professor, there will be costs and problems.
Firstly, the professor challenges the idea in the passage that genetically
modified trees have more chances to survive than natural trees. According to
the professor, nonmodified trees are genetically diverse and thus could ensure
their survival even if most of one kind die during threatening conditions. However,
genetically modified trees tend to be wiped out when exposed to conditions that they
are not designed for, such as climate changes, because they are more genetically uniform.
Secondly, the author of the passage points out that genetically modified trees could
economically benefit the tree farmers, which is refuted by the professor. According to
her, the tree farmers have to pay more for the seeds to the companies that genetically
modified trees. What’s more, according to the law, the farmers do not have the right to
collect seeds and plant for free. They have to pay for the company every time they plant.
Finally, opposite to the passage's belief that genetically modified trees could
protect local trees, the professor contends that they would virtually damage the native
trees. The genetically modified trees grow aggressively. What's more, they are usually
planted among natural trees and thus would outcompete the natural trees' resources
such as sunlight, soil nutrient and water. As a result, the wild trees are crowded out.