Genetic improvement of energy crops. [Populus]

Journal Article · Tue Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · J. For.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5537648

Two major efforts are under way to improve SRIC energy crops genetically. One effort is the improvement of the model species American sycamore, black locust, silver maple, and sweetgum. The other effort is led by a consortium conducted research and development on Populus in physiology, ideotype development, growth modeling, genetic improvement (including biotechnology), and monoculture viability. In Populus, the ideal traits emerging as important are narrow crowns with small limbs, larger upper leaves and smaller lower leaves, indeterminate growth, pest resistance, and drought tolerance. Other traits currently under investigation in the genetic improvement projects are root architecture and fine-root dynamics (an area of little knowledge), desirable root-symbiont relationships, leaf display for maximum light interception, photosynthesis, and dry-matter partitioning. As knowledge of genetic variation, growth, culture, and conversion technologies advances, improvement of more specific traits will take place.

• OSTI ID: 5537648
• Journal Information: J. For.; (United States), Journal Name: J. For.; (United States) Vol. 85:9; ISSN JFUSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
140504* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
550400 -- Genetics
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY
BIOMASS
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
CLONING
CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
ENERGY SOURCES
GENES
GENETIC VARIABILITY
GROWTH
HYBRIDIZATION
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTIVITY
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
REPRODUCTION
SHORT ROTATION CULTIVATION
TREES
VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION