German scientists seek to clone perfect Christmas trees
BERLIN (AP) - The hunt for the perfect Christmas tree may soon become a lot easier: just pick a nice clone.
That's what German scientists are now working on: They are searching a way to ensure that the sensitive saplings of the popular Nordmann fir species grow into impressive specimens.
The fir is native to the Caucasus, but is often cultivated on massive plantations in Germany.
Biologist Kurt Zoglauer of Berlin's Humboldt University said Friday 40 percent of trees don't make the cut when they mature after 10 to 14 years. Some are stunted by frost, while others turn out the wrong shade of green.
Zoglauer's team therefore hopes to refine a method to clone particularly hardy and beautiful trees by 2016.
The project is supported by a German government grant.
That's what German scientists are now working on: They are searching a way to ensure that the sensitive saplings of the popular Nordmann fir species grow into impressive specimens.
The fir is native to the Caucasus, but is often cultivated on massive plantations in Germany.
Biologist Kurt Zoglauer of Berlin's Humboldt University said Friday 40 percent of trees don't make the cut when they mature after 10 to 14 years. Some are stunted by frost, while others turn out the wrong shade of green.
Zoglauer's team therefore hopes to refine a method to clone particularly hardy and beautiful trees by 2016.
The project is supported by a German government grant.
Am I the only one nervous about the fact that the Germans have decided to clone a master race of Christmas trees?
 @skullcrusher No.  There also seems to be a worrying concern about the hue of the tree, as though they're looking for the perfect Aryan Green tannenbaum.
the greatest fears of cloning have come to be realized... The Germans are cloning Christmas trees
 @TruthinAdverts Dr. Fir-ankenstein?
"The wrong shade of green..." Â Wow, here I've been thinking my tree is fine and the whole time it could have been a less than optimal color. Â I feel like such a fool. Â
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I can't believe this involves a  government grant... What is this, Christmas tree eugenics?  Why does it have to be "perfect?"  I like a tree to have a little character.  I hate the ones that have been clipped into "perfection."  That each one is slightly different and unique greatly improves the Christmas tree lot experience. Â
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Oh > they can have Christmas trees in Germany, here in the US of A we can only have Holiday trees. Lucky them.
 @lmdk2 gosh... I have a Christmas tree, and I'm in the USA