Genetic modification, a process used to change an organism’s genes and hence its characteristics, is not being used to improve trees. Through genetic modification, it is possible to create trees that produce more fruit, grow faster, or withstand adverse conditions. Planting genetically modified trees on a large scale promises to bring a number of benefits.

　　基因改良是通过改变有机体的基因，进而改变其性状的过程。目前还没有用来改良树木。通过基因改良，可能创造出具有产量高、生长快、抗逆强特点的树木。很大程度上，种植基因改良树木可以带来诸多益处。

　　First, genetically modified trees are designed to be hardier than nature trees; that it, they are more likely to survive than their unmodified counterparts. In Hawaii, for example, a new pest-resistant species of papaya tree has been developed in response to ring-spot virus infections that have repeatedly damaged the native papaya-tree population. Planting the genetically modified papayas has largely put an end to the ring-spot problem.

　　首先，基因改良树木设计得比天然树木更能承受不良环境。也就是说，相对于它们没有改良的同类，它们更易存活。比如，在夏威夷有一种新的抗虫害的番木瓜树。这种树可以抵抗环斑病毒的感染，而正是这种环斑病毒常常会降低当地番木瓜树的数量。种植这种基因改良的番木瓜可以很大程度上解决环斑病毒的问题。

　　Moreover, genetically modified trees promise to bring a number of economic benefits to those who grow them. Genetically modified trees tend to grow faster, give greater yields – of food, fruit, or other products – and be hardier. This allows tree farmers to get faster and greater returns on their farming investment and save on pesticides as well.

　　而且，基因改良的树木据信可以给种植者带来巨大的经济利益。基因改良的树木基因改良更快。同时，产量更高，也就是说可以获得更多的粮食、水果以及其他产品。而且，这些树木抗逆性更好。这样就能是的弄明可以更多而且更多地收回投资，同时节约杀虫剂的花费。

　　Finally, the use of genetically modified trees can prevent overexploitation of wild trees. Because of the growing demand for firewood or building timber, many forests around the world are being cut down faster than they can be replaced. Introducing genetically modified trees – designed for fast growth and high yield in given geographic conditions – would satisfy the demand for wood in many of those areas and save the endangered native trees, which often include unique or rare species.

　　最后，种植基因改良树木可以减少对野生树木的过度开发。由于对于木柴和建筑木材的越来越大，世界上森林砍伐的速度超过了再生速度。引入在相同地里条件下生长更快、产量更大的改良树木可以很多地方对于木材的需求，这样可以保护那些独特而稀少的濒危野生树种。

　　阅读部分需要提取的观点是：

　　- Main point: 基因改良树木优点很多

　　- Sub point 1: 可以抵御病虫害

　　- Sub point 2: 可以提高农民的收入

　　- Sub point 3: 可以保护天然森林

　　听力材料：

　　Sure, there is benefit to planting genetically modified trees, but are these trees really as great as they first sound? When you examine the subjects closely, there are some serious problems and causes associated with the using of genetic modified trees.