NIPER-JEE 2010 - NIPER Joint Entrance Examination - 2010 for admission to M.S. (Pharm.), M.Pharm., M.Tech. (Pharm.); M.B.A. (Pharm.)

NIPER JEE 2010 - IMPORTANT DATES

Particulars	Dates
Starting date for issue of Information Brochure	3rd May 2010
Last date for receipt of request for issuing Information Brochure by post	5th June 2010
Last date for issuing information brochure in person at NIPER, S.A.S. Nagar	21st June 2010
Last date for receipt of completed applications forms at NIPER, S.A.S. Nagar)	21st June 2010
NIPER Joint Entrance Examination 2010 (10.00 AM to 12.00 noon)	11th July 2010
Declaration of result of NIPER JEE-2010	16th July 2010
Group Discussion and Interview of M.B.A. (Pharm.)	21st -22nd July 2010
Declaration of the list of selected candidates and admission to M.B.A. (Pharm.)	23rd July 2010
Declaration of the list of waitlisted candidates and admission to M.B.A. (Pharm.)	24th July 2010
Counseling for admission to Masters programme (in Science discipline)	26th -27th July 2010
Orientation and Commenc The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) at S.A.S Nagar (Mohali) has been created as Centre of Excellence in imparting higher education, research and development in pharmaceutical sciences and is the first Institute of its kind in country. The Institute was declared as an Institute of National Importance by Government of India through an Act of Parliament, notified on 26th June 1998. The Institute is a member of the Association of Indian Universities and Association of Common wealth Universities. In the year 2007 Government of India established four more NIPERs at the following locations with the help of mentor Institutes:- Ahmedabad [Mentor Institute- B. V. Patel Pharmaceutical Education and Research Development (PERD) Centre], Hajipur (Mentor Institute- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences), Hyderabad (Mentor Institute- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology) and Kolkata (Mentor Institute- Indian Institute of Chemical Biology). ement of classes Institutes Available disciplines NIPER, Ahmedabad Biotechnology, Natural Products, Pharmaceutics NIPER, Guwahati Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmacy Practice NIPER, Rae Barelli Medicinal Chemistry , Pharmaceutics NIPER, Hajipur Biotechnology, Pharmacoinformatics, Pharmacy Practice NIPER, Hyderabad Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacology & Toxicology NIPER, Kolkata Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Products, Pharmacoinformatics NIPER, S.A.S. Nagar Biotechnology, Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Products, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmaceutical Management, Pharmaceutical Technology (Biotechnology), Pharmaceutical Technology (Bulk Drugs), Pharmaceutical Technology (Formulations), Pharmaceutics, Pharmacoinformatics, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmacy Practice, Regulatory Toxicology, Traditional Medicine Eligibility- (A) M.S. (Pharm.); M.Pharm. ; M.Tech. (Pharm.) Discipline Programme Eligibility for Application Medicinal Chemistry M.S. (Pharm.) B.Pharm./M.Sc.(Organic Chemistry) Natural Products M.S. (Pharm.) B.Pharm./M.Sc.(Organic Chemistry) Traditional Medicines M.S. (Pharm.) B.Pharm./B.A.M.S./M.Sc.(Botany) Pharmaceutical Analysis M.S. (Pharm.) B.Pharm./M.Sc.(Organic/ Analytical Chemistry) Pharmacology & Toxicology M.S. (Pharm.) B.Pharm./B.V.Sc./M.B.B.S. Regulatory Toxicology M.S. (Pharm.) B.Pharm./B.V.Sc./M.Sc.(Pharmacology/Toxicology/Life Sciences/Biochemistry/Medical Biotechnology/ Zoology)/M.B.B.S. Pharmaceutics M.S.(Pharm.) B. Pharm. Biotechnology M.S.(Pharm.) B.Pharm./M.Sc.(Biological Sciences) Pharmaceutical Technology (Formulations) M.Pharm. B.Pharm. Pharmaceutical Technology (Bulk Drugs) M.Tech. (Pharm.) B.Pharm./M.Sc.(Organic Chemistry)/B.Tech. (Chemical Engg. or equivalent) Pharmaceutical Technology (Biotechnology) M.Tech. (Pharm.) B.Pharm./M.Sc.(Life Sciences) Pharmacy Practice M.Pharm. B. Pharm. Pharmacoinformatics M.S. (Pharm.) B.Pharm./M.Sc.(Organic Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Chemistry)/M.Sc./B.Tech. (Bioinformatics)/M.Sc. (Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Molecular Biology/Microbiology) Eligibility - (B) M.B.A. (Pharm.) Discipline Programme Eligibility for Application Pharmaceutical Management M.B.A.(Pharm.) B.Pharm./B.Tech.(Chemical Engg. or equivalent)/ M.Sc. (Chemical / Life Sciences) Candidates should have a minimum CGPA of 6.75 (or 60% marks) for General, 6.25 (or 55% marks) for SC/ST, 5.75 (or 50% marks) for physically handicapped (PH) candidates on a 10 point scale in the qualifying examination and also have valid GPAT/GATE/NET qualification. (Percentage of marks or CGPA will be based on the norms of the concerned university/Institution or aggregate marks or CGPA scored by the candidate for all years of the qualifying degree, in case University/Institution has not prescribed any norm for calculating such percentage or CGPA). 5% of total numbers of seats are available for officially sponsored candidates from the Govt. Department /P.S.U./R&D organisation with minimum of 2 years experience. Valid GPAT/GATE/NET score (GPAT/GATE/NET score card of a candidate should be valid at the time of counselling/Group Discussion & interview) is essential qualification for all disciplines (including M.B.A.) except for the following category of candidates:- (i) Candidates holding B.V.Sc. /M.B.B.S./B.A.M.S. degree; (ii) Foreign nationals; (iii) NRI and their wards category (in case of M.B.A (Pharm.) only; (iv) Sponsored candidates from Public/Private Sector undertakings, Govt. Departments and Research and Development Organizations. General Instructions: 1. Details of eligibility, qualifications, availability of programmes, admission procedure and other relevant information are available in the Information Brochure and also on our website www.niper.gov.in/niperjee2010.html. Reservation of seats for SC/ST/OBC/PH and Kashmiri Migrants candidates will be as per Government of India norms. 2. Candidates appearing for final qualifying examinations can also apply but they must produce final result on the day of Counselling/Interview/GD failing which their candidature shall be rejected. 3. Information Brochure containing Application form can be obtained in person or by post from the office of the Organizing Chairperson, NIPER-JEE 2010 on submission of non refundable Bank Draft of Rs. 1000/-(Rs.500/- for SC/ST) payable at S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali)/Chandigarh in favour of “NIPER-JEE 2010” along with two duly typed self-addressed Slips with name (10 cms X 6 cms). Indian nationals residing abroad and foreign nationals have to remit US$100 by bank draft payable to “NIPER-JEE 2010”. Payment by cheque/postal order will not be accepted. Candidates desirous of obtaining information brochure by post should clearly mention the name of the programme in the application and on the top of the envelope carrying the request letter. 4. The candidates will have to make their own arrangement for travel and boarding for attending test/GD/Interview/Counselling. 5. Completed applications on the prescribed OMR form should be sent to Organising Chairperson, NIPER-JEE 2010, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S.Nagar (Mohali), Punjab, 160062, (through speed post/registered post) so as to reach him on or before 21st June 2010. The Institute will not be responsible for any loss or postal delay. Applications received after the due date will not be considered. No correspondence/ inquiry in this regard will be entertained. The Institute shall not be held responsible for misplacement of any loose sheet. Therefore, all the applicants are required to submit the application form properly tied together. The attested copy of valid GPAT/GATE/NET score card only shall be sent with the application form. 6. A common written test for all disciplines of the Masters programme will be held on Sunday, the 11th July, 2010 at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Baroda, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Trivandrum and Varanasi. The centres may be altered if sufficient numbers of candidates do not register for a particular centre. Related Posts	2nd August 2010

PROHIBITED DRUGS

LIST OF DRUGS PROHIBITED FOR MANUFACTURE AND SALE THROUGH GAZETTE NOTIFICATIONS UNDER SECTION 26A OF DRUGS & COSMETICS ACT 1940 BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

DRUGS PROHIBITED FROM THE DATE OF NOTIFICATION

1. Amidopyrine.

2. Fixed dose combinations of vitamins with anti-inflammatory agents and tranquilizers.

3. Fixed dose combinations of Atropine in Analgesics and Antipyretics.

4. Fixed dose combinations of Strychnine and Caffeine in tonics.

5.Fixed dose combinations of Yohimbine and Strychnine with Testosterone and Vitamins.

6. Fixed dose combinations of Iron with Strychnine, Arsenic and Yohimbine.

7. Fixed dose combinations of Sodium Bromide/chloral hydrate with other drugs.

8. Phenacetin.

9. Fixed dose combinations of antihistaminic with anti-diarrhoeals.

10. Fixed dose combinations of Penicillin with Sulphonamides.

11. Fixed dose combinations of Vitamins with Analgesics.

B 12.Fixed dose combinations of any other Tetracycline with Vitamin C.

E 13.Fixed dose combinations of Hydroxyquinoline group of drugs with any other drug except for preparations meant for external use.

ccc 14. Fixed dose combinations of Corticosteroids with any other drug for internal use.

ccc 15. Fixed dose combinations of Chloramphenicol with any other drug for internal use.

16.Fixed dose combinations of crude Ergot preparations except those containing Ergotamine, Caffeine, analgesics, antihistamines for the treatment of migraine, headaches.

17.Fixed dose combinations of Vitamins with Anti TB drugs except combination of Isoniazid with Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6).

18. Penicillin skin/eye Ointment.

19. Tetracycline Liquid Oral preparations.

20. Nialamide.

21. Practolol.

22. Methapyrilene, its salts.

c 23. Methaqualone.

& 24. Oxytetracycline Liquid Oral preparations.

& 25. Demeclocycline Liquid Oral preparations.

T 26. Combination of anabolic Steroids with other drugs.

cc 27.Fixed dose combination of Oestrogen and Progestin (other than oral contraceptive) containing per tablet estrogen content of more than 50 mcg (equivalent to Ethinyl Estradiol) and progestin content of more than 3 mg (equivalent to Norethisterone Acetate) and all fixed dose combination injectable preparations containing synthetic Oestrogen and Progesterone. (Subs. By Noti. No. 743 (E) dt 10-08-1989)

* 28.Fixed dose combination of Sedatives/ hypnotics/anxiolytics with analgesics-antipyretics.

J* 29.Fixed dose combination of Rifampicin, isoniazid and Pyrazinamide, except those which provide daily adult dose given below:

Drugs Minimum Maximum

Rifampicin 450 mg 600 mg

Isoniazid 300 mg 400 mg

Pyrazinamide 1000mg 1500 mg

* 30. Fixed dose combination of Histamine H-2 receptor antagonists with antacids except for those combinations approved by Drugs Controller, India.

* 31.The patent and proprietary medicines of fixed dose combinations of essential oils with alcohol having percentage higher than 20% proof except preparations given in the Indian Pharmacopoeia.

* 32. All Pharmaceutical preparations containing Chloroform exceeding 0.5% w/w or v/v
whichever is appropriate.

** 33.Fixed dose combination of Ethambutol with INH other than the following: INH
Ethambutol 200 mg. 600 mg. 300 mg. 800 mg.

** 34. Fixed dose combination containing more than one antihistamine.

B**35.Fixed dose combination of any anthelmintic with cathartic/purgative except for
piperazine/Santonim.

J **36. Fixed dose combination of Salbutamol or any other drug having primarily bronchodilatory activity with centrally acting anti-tussive and/or antihistamine.

** 37.Fixed dose combination of laxatives and/or anti-spasmodic drugs in enzyme preparations.

G** 38.Fixed dose combination of Metoclopramide with systemically absorbed drugs except fixed dose combination of metoclopramide with aspirin/paracetamol

** 39.Fixed dose combination of centrally acting, antitussive with antihistamine, having high atropine like activity in expectorants.

** 40.Preparations claiming to combat cough associated with asthma containing centrally acting antitussive and/ or an antihistamine.

** 41.Liquid oral tonic preparations containing glycerophosphates and/or other phosphates and / or central nervous system stimulant and such preparations containing alcohol more than 20% proof.

** 42.Fixed dose combination containing Pectin and/or Kaolin with any drug which is systemically absorbed from GI tract except for combinations of Pectin and/or Kaolin with drugs not systemically absorbed.

*** 43. Chloral Hydrate as a drug.

b 44. Dovers Powder I.P.

b 45. Dover’s Powder Tablets I.P.

A 46.Antidiarrhoeal formulations containing Kaolin or Pectin or Attapulgite or Activated Charcoal.

A 47.Antidiarrhoeal formulations containing Phthalyl Sulphathiazole or Sulphaguanidine or Succinyl Sulphathiazole.

A 48.Antidiarrhoeal formulations containing Neomycin or Streptomycin or Dihydrostreptomycin including their respective salts or esters.

A 49.Liquid Oral antidiarrhoeals or any other dosage form for pediatric use containing Diphenoxylate Lorloperamide or Atropine or Belladona including their salts or esters or metabolites Hyoscyamine or their extracts or their alkaloids.

A 50.Liquid Oral antidiarrhoeals or any other dosage form for pediatric use containing halogenated hydroxyquinolines.

A 51. Fixed dose combination of antidiarrhoeals with electrolytes.

C 52. Patent and Proprietary Oral Rehydration Salts other than those conforming to the

D 53. Fixed dose combination of Oxyphenbutazone or Phenylbutazone with any other drug.

H.D54. Fixed dose combination of Analgin with any other drug.

D 55. Fixed dose combination of dextropropoxyphene with any other drug other than anti-spasmodics and/or non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

D 56. Fixed dose combination of a drug, standards of which are prescribed in the Second Schedule to the said Act with an Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug.

F 57. Mepacrine Hydrochloride (Quinacrine and its salts) in any dosage form for use for female sterilization or contraception.

F 58. Fenfluramine and Dexfenfluramine.

I 59. Fixed dose combination of Diazepam and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride .

K 60. Rimonabant.

LIST OF GAZETTE NOTIFICATION PUBLISHED

The Principal Notification GSR 578 (E) dt.23.7.83.

c Added b GSR 4(E) dated 31.01.1984

& Added b GSR 322(E) dated 03.05.1984\

T Amended by GSR 863(E) dated 22.11.1985

cc Amended by GSR 743(E) dated 10.08.1989

ccc Amended by GSR 1057(E) dated 03.11.1988

* Added by GSR 999(E) dated 26.12.1990

* Added by GSR 69(E) dated 11.02.1991

xxx Added by GSR 304(E) dated 7.06.1990

@ Added by GSR 444(E) dated 7.06.1992

b Added by GSR 111(E) dated 22.02.1994

A Added by GSR 731(E) dated 30.09.1994

B Added by GSR 848(E) dated 7.12.1994

C Added by GSR 57(E) dated 7.02.1995

D Added by GSR 633(E) dated 13.09.1995

E Added by GSR 793(E) dated 13.03.1995

Added by GSR 93(E) dated 25.05.1997

F Added by GSR 499(E) dated 14.08.1998

G Added by GSR 394(E) dated 19.05.1999

H Added by GSR 405(E) dated 3.06.1999

I Added by GSR 169(E) dated 12.03.2001

J Added by GSR 290(E) dated 16.04.2008

K Added by GSR 885(E) dated 11.12.2009

LIST OF DRUGS PROHIBITED FOR IMPORT

1. Nialamide

2. Practolol

3. Amidopyrine

4. Phenacetin

5. Methapyrilene and its salts

a 6. Methaqualone

b 7. Chloral Hydrate as a drug

c 8. Mepacrine Hydrochloride ( Quinacrine and its Salts) in any dosage form for use for female sterilization or contraception.

9. Fenfluramine and Dexfenfluramine]

d 10. Rimonabant

LIST OF GAZETTE NOTIFICATION PUBLISHED

a Added by GSR 48(E) dated 31.1.1984

b Added by GSR 303(E) dated 7.6.1991

c Added by GSR 498(E) dated 14.8.1998

d Added by GSR 884(E) dated 11.12.2009

DRUGS PROHIBITED FOR MANUFACTURE , SALE AND DISTRIBUTION FROM SUBSEQUENT DATE

Drugs Formulation Effective date Notification

1.Cosmetics Licensed as toothpaste/tooth With immediate GSR 444(E)

powder containing tobacco. effect dt.30.4.92

2.Parenteal Preparations fixed dose Jan 1,1998 GSR 93(E)

combination of streptomycin with dt.25.2.97

Pencillin

3.Fixed dose combination of Vitamin B1, Jan 1,2001 GSR 702(E)

Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 for dt.14.10.99

human use

4.Fixed dose combination of haemoglobin Sep 1,2000 GSR 814(E)

in any form (natural or synthetic). dt.16.12.99

5.Fixed dose combination of Pancreatin or Sept. 1,2000 GSR 814(E)

Pancrelipase containing amylase, protease dt.16.12.99

and lipase with any other enzyme.

6. Fixed dose combination of Nitrofurantoin Jan 1,2002 GSR 170(E)

and trimethoprim. dt.12.3.01

7.Fixed dose combination of Phenobarbitone Jan 1,2002 GRS 170(E)

with any anti-asthmatic drugs. dt.12.3.01

8.Fixed dose combination of Phenobarbitone Jan 1,2002 GSR 170(E)

with Hyoscin and/or Hyoscyamine dt.12.3.01

9.Fixed dose combination of Phenobarbitone Jan 1,2002 GSR 170(E)

with Ergotamine and/or Belladona dt.12.3.01

10.Fixed dose combination of Haloperidol Jan 1,2002 GSR 170(E)

with any anti-cholinergic agent including dt.12.3.01

Propantheline Bromide.

11.Fixed dose combination of Nalidixic Acid Jan 1,2002 GSR 170(E)

with any anti-amoebic including Metronidazole. dt.12.3.01

12.Fixed dose combination of Loperamide Jan 1,2002 GSR 170(E)

Hydrochloride with Furazolidone dt.12.3.01

13.Fixed dose combination of Cyproheptadine Jan 1,2003 GSR 170(E)

with Lysine or Peptone. dt.12.3.01

14.Astemizole Apr.1,2003 GSR 191(E)

dt.5.3.03

15.Terfinadine Apr.1,2003 GSR 191(E)

dt.5.3.03

16.Fenformin Oct.1,2003 GSR 780(E)

dt.1.10.03

17.Rafecoxib Dec 13,2004 GSR 810(E)
dt. 13.12.04

18.Valdecoxib July 25,2005 GSR 510(E)
and it's formulation dt. 25.07.05

19.Diclofenac and its formulations July 4, 2008 GSR 499(E)

for animal use dt.4.07.08

uk pharmacy universities rankings

Rank
University
Score
1 Cambridge
6.69
2 Imperial College
6.68
3 Oxford
6.58
4 London School of Economics
6.46
5 Warwick
6.20
6 University College London
6.19
7 Cardiff
6.11
8 Manchester
6.09
9 Essex
6.05
10 Southampton
6.03
11 Durham
6.00
12 Lancaster
5.99
13 Sheffield
5.97
14 Edinburgh
5.96
15 Bristol
5.96
16 York
5.93
17 St Andrews
5.92
18 Bath
5.92
19 Royal Holloway
5.89
20 King's College London
5.85
21 Birmingham
5.85
22 Surrey
5.83
23 Leeds
5.77
24 Birkbeck College
5.72
25 UMIST
5.71
26 Glasgow
5.69
27 School of Oriental and African Studies
5.68
28 Sussex
5.65
29 Newcastle
5.63
30 Dundee
5.62
31 Aston
5.60
32 East Anglia
5.59
33 Exeter
5.57
34 Nottingham
5.56
35 Reading
5.53
36 Salford
5.52
37 Loughborough
5.52
38 Liverpool
5.51
39 Goldsmiths College
5.48
40 Striling
5.34
41 Strathclyde
5.30
42 Queen's Belfast
5.28
43 Kent
5.27
44 Leicester
5.25
45 Queen Mary and Westfield College
5.24
46 Aberdeen
5.19
47 Bangor
5.18
48 University of Wales College of Medicine
5.16
49 Brunel
5.12
50 Hull
5.06
51 Heriot-Watt
5.02
52 Bradford
5.02
53 Keele
5.00

continued

54 Lampeter
5.00
55 City
4.93
56 Aberystwyth
4.86
57 University of Wales College, Newport
4.81
58 Ulster
4.78
59 Cranfield
4.78
60 Swansea
4.77
61 Open
4.64
62 Sheffield Hallam
4.54
63 De Montfort
4.54
64 Plymouth
4.51
65 Portsmouth
4.46
66 Manchester Metropolitan
4.39
67 UWIC
4.37
68 Westminster
4.29
69 South Bank
4.26
70 Nottingham Trent
4.17
71 Brighton
4.11
72 Kingsdown
4.09
73 Middlesex
4.02
74 West of England
4.01
75 Huddersfield
4.00
76 Oxford Brooks
3.98
77 Liverpool John Moore
3.97
78 Napier
3.92
79 Sunderland
3.92
80 Glasgow Caledonian
3.89
81 Greenwich
3.86
82 Central England
3.82
83 Leeds Metropolitan
3.78
84 Hertfordshire
3.76
85 Central Lancashire
3.76
86 East London
3.74
87 Glamorgan
3.69
88 North London
3.68
89 Northumbria
3.66
90 Wolverhampton
3.64
91 Abertay Dundee
3.58
92 Staffordshire
3.57
93 Coventry
3.56
94 Bournemouth
3.53
95 Teesside
3.48
96 London Guildhall
3.48
97 Luton
3.47
98 Robert Gordon
3.36
99 Lincolnshire and Humberside
3.28
100 Paisley
3.22
101 Anglia
3.18
102 Derby
2.85
103 NEWI
2.76
104 Trinity College Carmarthen
2.41
105 SwanseaInstitute of Higher Education
2.35
106 Thames Valley
2.09

Genetically altered Eucalyptus trees for paper Industry!

TAMPA, Fla. – The commercial paper industry's plans to plant forests of genetically altered eucalyptus trees in seven Southern states have generated more cries from critics worried that such a large introduction of a bioengineered nonnative plant could throw natural ecosystems out of whack.

ArborGen, a biotechnology venture affiliated with three large paper companies, got U.S. Department of Agriculture approval last month for field trials involving as many as 250,000 trees planted at 29 sites during the next few years. Much smaller lots of the genetically altered trees have been growing in some of the states for years.


Australian eucalyptus trees grow faster than native hardwoods and produce high-quality pulp perfect for paper production, but thus far, they have been able to thrive only in very warm climates. South Carolina-based ArborGen genetically altered the trees to withstand freezing temperatures, and the idea with the test forests is to see how far north they can now be grown.

The test sites will cover a total of about 300 acres in Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Louisiana.


While genetically engineered crops such as corn and soybeans have become common, ArborGen's experiment marks the first large planting of designer trees in the United States. The company says plantations of hearty, faster-growing eucalyptus could produce more timber in a smaller area and allow conservation of natural forests.

But critics say that despite the USDA's assurance that the trees pose no environmental threat, not enough is known about their effect on natural surroundings.

"We have many reservations about it," said Neil J. Carman, a biologist who serves on the Sierra Club's genetic engineering committee. "We don't think the scientific evidence is in yet that says this is a good idea."

Anne Petermann, executive director of the activist group Global Justice Ecology Project, said eucalyptus trees are invasive, require vast amounts of water that could reduce groundwater levels, and increase the wildfire risk because they are so flammable.

"This is quite a dangerous tree to be mass planting," Petermann said.

But ArborGen CEO Barbara Wells said eucalyptus trees have not proven invasive in dozens of tropical countries where they are widely grown on plantations. Also, ArborGen genetically modified the trees to limit their ability to disperse seed and spread.

Although the new field trials will significantly increase the number of genetically engineered trees being grown, Wells called it "very confined research."

"The total is 300 acres, but when you're doing tree research, that really is very small acreage," she said, noting that about 20,000 acres of genetically unaltered eucalyptus trees are already grown in central and southern Florida for production of wood chips and mulch. The new test forests will show whether the genetically altered trees can thrive farther north in Florida, where freezing temperatures can occur in the winter.

Donald Rockwood, a professor emeritus in the University of Florida's School of Forest Resources and Conservation, has worked for about 30 years on developing eucalyptus trees that thrive in Florida. He uses traditional breeding techniques, not genetic modification.

The genetically unaltered trees growing in controlled plantations in Florida have not proven invasive, are relatively efficient users of water and are no more flammable than other hardwoods, said Rockwood, who was hired by ArborGen to do a report on eucalyptus trees' invasiveness because of his experience working with them at the university.

Still, Rockwood said, introduction of any genetically altered species poses risks. For example, the gene that makes the trees resistant to cold could be transferred to surrounding plants, allowing them to spread farther north than nature intended.

"It certainly needs to be done carefully, it needs to be regulated and there needs to be a period of well-defined observations," Rockwood said.

The ArborGen trees will be planted in seven counties throughout Florida, four counties each in South Carolina and Texas, two each in Alabama and Mississippi and single counties in Georgia and Louisiana. Rockwood said they can grow about 25 feet per year and be ready to harvest in less than three years.

ArborGen is a joint venture of International Paper, MeadWestvaco and Rubicon Ltd.