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98-99 Project SummariesTable of Contents
Woody Crops Research
 

Clonal Development for Willow Biomass - Biofuels Production

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan, 865.576.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: The Research Foundation of the State University of New York, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, http://www.esf.edu/willow
Principal Investigator: Larry Abrahamson
315.470.6777, ceext@mailbox.syr.edu
Contract Number: 19X-SW561C
Contract Period: 10/1/98-9/30/99
Contract Funding:
FY 1998: 40,000
FY 1999: 80,000

Objective: Establish experimental plantings of 39 willow and poplar clones to determine clonal and environmental effects on growth, understand foliar development patterns, biomass partitioning, nutrient use efficiency, and understand pest utilization of clones.

Approach/Background: The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) is expanding its willow genetic improvement program to meet future needs for genetically improved willow clones. Basic physiological information on clones currently being propagated and tested on a large scale, and new clones being propagated in preparation for testing, is necessary to assist in clonal selection and the overall genetic improvement effort. Large genotype-by-environment interaction is a problem facing willow breeders and the physiological basis of these interactions is poorly understood.

Status/Accomplishments: 1997-1999: A genetic selection trial was established in May 1997 after appropriate site preparation, containing 32 willow and 7 hybrid poplar clones at 0.6 m by 0.9 m spacing at Tully, NY. The plants were coppiced (cutback) in winter 1997-98. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. A sister study was planted during June 1997 in Rhinelander, WI in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. Two smaller trials using a subset of 10 willow clones were planted in WI in May 1999. An additional trial was planted in East Lansing, MI in May 1999 with 14 willow and two hybrid poplar clones. As all studies mature, efforts will be made to compare results.

In the NY trial, various clone and site variables are being measured such as frost damage, insect and disease incidence, tree growth and stem dimensions and date of bud break and leaf senescence. Physiological measurements being carried out on five select clones include foliar development patterns, light interception and biomass partitioning patterns. In addition, standard meteorological variables were measured.

1998-1999: In addition to the ongoing measurements detailed above, soil texture and soil chemistry will be characterized at the end of this growing season. At the end of first year after coppice, the mean height of the willows (1.44m ± 0.32) and poplar (1.53m ± 0.20) was similar. Mean stem diameter of the willow clones was less than that of the hybrid poplar clones. The number of stems per stool, however, was greater for willows (10.4 + 3.3) than poplar (5.2 + 1.7). Oven dry stool biomass after one growing season ranged from 199.0g to 447.63g. Stool biomass was similar between the willows (268.5g + 103.5) and poplars (233.3g + 77.1).

Publications and Presentations:

  1. Tharakan, P.J., C.A. Nowak, L.P. Abrahamson, D.J. Robison, and T. A. Volk. 1999. Characterization of willow bioenergy clones: A step towards improving yield. Abstract. Fourth Biomass Conference of the Americas, Oakland, CA. August 26-29, 1999.
  2. Tharakan, P.J., L.P. Abrahamson, J.G. Isebrands, and D.J. Robison. 1998. First Year growth and development of willow and poplar bioenergy crops as related to foliar characteristics. pp 1170-1180. In Proceedings of 8th Biennial Conference, Bioenergy '98: Expanding Bioenergy Partnerships, Madison, Wisconsin.
  3. Nowak, C.A., T.A. Volk, B. Ballard, L.P. Abrahamson, R.C. Filhart, R.F. Kopp, D. Bickelhaupt, and E.H. White. 1999. Abstract. The role and process of monitoring willow biomass plantations. Fourth Biomass Conference of the Americas, Oakland, CA. August 26-29, 1999.
  4. Abrahamson, L.P., D.J. Robison, T.A. Volk, and E.H. White. 1998. Sustainability and environmental issues associated with willow bioenergy development in New York (USA). Biomass and Bioenergy 15 (1): 17 - 22.
  5. Volk, T.A., S. Edick, S. Brown, and M. Downing. 1999. Community outreach and education: key components of the Salix Consortium's willow biomass project. Abstract. Fourth Biomass Conference of the Americas, Oakland, CA. August 26-29, 1999.
  6. Proakis, G.J., J.J. Vasselli, E.H. Neuhauser, and T.A. Volk. 1999. Accelerating the commercialization of biomass energy generation within New York State. Abstract. Fourth Biomass Conference of the Americas, Oakland, CA. August 26-29, 1999.
  7. White, E.H., E.F. Neuhauser, L.P. Abrahamson, T.A. Volk, C.A. Nowak, J.M. Peterson, E. Gray, C. Demeter, and C. Lindsey. 1999. Abstract. Progress towards making willow biomass crops the fuel of the future in the northeastern United States. In Fourth Biomass Conference of the Americas, Oakland, CA. August 26-29, 1999.
  8. Nowak, C.A., R.D. Briggs, T.A. Volk, E.H. White, L.P. Abrahamson, and R.F. Kopp. 1999. Nutrient management research with short-rotation poplar and willow plantations in New York. Abstract. Second North American Forest Ecology Workshop, Orono, ME July 27 - 30, 1999.
  9. Phelps, A.E., D.J. Aneshansley, R.Pellerin, L.P. Abrahamson and T.A. Volk.1999. Commercial Production of Salix: Measurement of Production, Fuel Consumption and Location. Abstract. American Society of Agricultural Engineers Precision Forestry Session, Toronto, July 18-21, 1999
  10. Downing, M., Demeter, C., Braster, M., Hansen, C., Larson, G. and Volk, T. 1998. Agricultural cooperatives and marketing bioenergy crops: case studies of emerging co-operative development for agriculture and energy. pp 100 - 110. In Proceedings of Bioenergy '98: Expanding Bioenergy Partnerships, Madison, WI Oct. 4 - 8, 1998.
  11. Lindsey, C. and Volk, T. 1998. Economic and business model of a commercial willow enterprise. pp 186 - 192 In Proceedings of Bioenergy '98: Expanding Bioenergy Partnerships, Madison, WI Oct. 4 - 8, 1998.
  12. Volk, T.A., H.B. Shaw, C.M. Westfall (eds.). 1998. Enhancing the Productivity and Sustainability of Short-Rotation Salicacae. Proceedings of a Conference, August 5-8,1988, Syracuse, NY. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Misc. Report NYCFRD 98-04.
  13. Volk, T.A., L.P. Abrahamson, E.H. White, R.F. Kopp, and C.A. Nowak. Producing Short Rotation Willow Crops in the Northeastern United States. Abstract. Second Short Rotation Wood Crops Operations Working Group Conference. Portland, OR August 24-28, 1998.
  14. White, E.H., Neuhauser, E.F., Abrahamson, L.P., Volk, T.A., Benjamin, W.H., Peterson, J.M., Gray, E., Demeter, C. and Lindsey, C. 1998. The Salix Consortium - A partnership for bioenergy commercialization. pp19, In Proceedings of Bioenergy '98: Expanding Bioenergy Partnerships, Madison, WI Oct. 4 - 8, 1998.

Summary Date: June 1999
 
 

Development of Pest-Resistant Cottonwood Clones for Biomass Energy Production in the North Central Region

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan, 865.576.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: Iowa State University, Depts. of Forestry, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, 213 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011, http://www.ag.iastate.edu
Principal Investigator: Rick Hall, 515.294.1453, rbhall@iastate.edu
Contract Number: 19X-SZ269C
Contract Period: 3/98-3/03
Contract Funding:
FY 1998: $110,000
FY 1999: $100,000

Objective: Develop new cottonwood clones for commercial energy plantation uses in the region and to support research on the inheritance of pest resistance including the cottonwood leaf beetle, Septoria stem canker, Melampsora leaf rust and expression of hybrid vigor in biomass yields. We are specifically targeting the selection of clones that will produce 9 to 10 dry tons/ac/yr of biomass. Raising the biological production capabilities of plantations through fast establishment and less risk of loss to pests is one of the targeted means for producing biomass at a cost of $2.00/million Btu. Developing genetic resistance to pest problems means higher biomass yield and less pesticide use, and selecting genotypes that perform on a variety of sites means biomass plantations can make a better contribution to landscape ecology and rural economies.

Approach/Background: Selected parents are being mated in a directed pedigree. Replicated family field trials are grown for 3 yrs before the best individuals are selected, cloned, and further tested. Evaluations for leaf diseases are done in summer; growth rate, sylleptic branching, and other morphological traits are evaluated in fall each year. Clones that pass all of these tests are then provided to a separate U.S. Forest Service/ORNL project for longer-term evaluation in replicated clonal field plots planted in IA, MI, MN, and WI. Clones that still look promising would are released for commercial testing in yield plots. Supporting research is being done to determine the yield impacts of the cottonwood leaf beetle using Bt-treated and control plots. The geographic population structure of the leaf rust is being investigated using markers for 3 micro-satellite loci in M. medusae. The interactions of host leaf-surface chemistry and insect pheremones in the cottonwood leaf beetle's ability to find and colonize poplar plantings are being studied to find biological controls for this problem.

Status/Accomplishments: In 1998-9, we completed 88 crosses and produced over 10,000 seedlings. Twenty new clones have been prepared for the next regional test. Thirty-one new clones are ready for release for full-scale testing in plantations. These clones exceed "Eugenei' stem volume production by as much as 82% and should be more resistant to or tolerant of pathogens. A single, dominant gene for Melampsora rust resistance has been identified and is being further evaluated. We found Cryptosphaeria populina attacking and killing DN hybrids in 2 Iowa plantings, so we have initiated an inoculation trial to determine the taxonomic host range for this pathogen, previously found to cause significant disease only on aspen. We are investigating a potential relationship between an Agrilus borer, the taxonomic background of a clone, and the Cryptosphaeria disease. During the first two seasons, we have shown that CLB feeding can reduce stem volumes by as much as 59%.

Publications and Presentations:

  1. Lin, S., B. F. Binder, and E. R. Hart. 1998. Insect feeding stimulants from the leaf surface of Populus. Chemical Ecology 24:1781-1790.
  2. Lin, S., B. . Binder, and E. R. Hart. 1998. Chemical ecology of cottonwood leaf beetle adult feeding preferences on Populus. Chemical Ecology 24:1791-1802.
  3. McMillin, J. D., M. J. Anderson, E. E. Butin, and E. R. Hart. 1998. Phenology and infestation patterns of the cottonwood twig borer (Lepidoptera: Torticidae) in Iowa. Great Lakes Entomologist 31:181-190.
  4. Hall, R.B. 1999. Forest genetics (cloning). pp. 175-178 In: Yearbook of Science and Technology 2000. McGraw-Hill. New York.
  5. Kurniadi, E. 1998. Growth and pest resistance of Populus clones under plantation and agroforestry conditions. M.S. thesis. Iowa State University, Ames, IA. 46 pp.
  6. McNabb, Harold S., Jr. and E. R. Hart. 1998. Some thoughts on the diseases and insect injuries of poplars. Pp. 12-16. In T. A. Volk, H. B. Shaw and C. M. Westfall, (eds.) Enhancing the Productivity and Sustainability of Short-Rotation Salicacae. Misc. Report NYCFRD-98-04; The New York Center for Forestry Research and Development, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Office of Research Programs, Syracuse, NY 13210. August 1998.
  7. Royle, D. I., T. Hunter and H. S. McNabb, Jr. 1998. Diseases and pests in biomass production systems. Pp. 105-118. In R. Gambles and G. Page (eds.) IEA Bioenergy: Accomplishments in Bioenergy Production Research 1995-1997. Proceedings of the IEA Bioenergy Task XII End-of-task Workshop. Canberra, Australia. March 17-20, 1998. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 239 pp.
  8. Seeman, S. S., G. M. Tabor and H. S. McNabb, Jr. 1999. Conservation of disease resistance gene analogs across plant taxa. Abstract. Pp. 4-5. In Program Abstracts Booklet, 111th Annual Meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science, April 23-24, 1999, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.
  9. Sikinyi, T. M., B. A. Grice, W. Heckrodt, and H. S. McNabb, Jr. 1998. Soil solarization of poplar plantings: Soil microflora populations. Abstract. Phytopathology 88:S117.
  10. Tabor, G. M., T. Kubisiak, N. B. Klopfenstein, R. B. Hall, and H. S. McNabb, Jr. 1998. Molecular markers linked to Melampsora medusae resistance in Populus deltoides. Abstract. Phytopathology 88:S118.
  11. Tabor, G. M. 1998. The poplar-leaf rust pathosystem: Inheritance of resistance and pathogenic variability. Ph.D. Dissertation. Iowa State University, Ames, IA. 83 pp.

Summary Date: September 1999
 
 

Limitations on Short Rotation Woody Crop Growth in the Southeast United States

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan, 865.576.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6422, http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/bfdpmain.html
Principal Investigator: Tuskan, Gerald, 865.576.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Contract Number: Internal project
Contract Period: 03/1996-2/2001
Contract Funding:
FY 1998: $170,000
FY 1999: $140,000

Objective: Evaluate whole-plant carbon budgets for individual clones or species to determine the relative limitations placed on above-ground production by respiratory processes in stems, branches and roots and test the impacts of fertigation on tissue-specific physiological parameters.

Approach/Background: Populus sp. have shown tremendous potential for woody biomass production in northern latitudes, but have failed to maintain this level of performance in the southeastern United States. Conversely, species such as Platanus occidentalis and Liquidambar styraciflua generally appear over the long run to be better suited for high productivity in southeastern locations. Increased temperatures represent a predominant climate feature differentiating northern and southern locations, and suggest a couple of reasons for degraded performance of Populus productivity in the S.E. United States. Increased temperatures will lead to greater respiratory losses from stem, branches and root tissues without proportionate increases in the photosynthetic production from leaves and high temperatures may also accelerate transpiration resulting in a greater potential for the development of drought limitations in the absence of sufficient rainfall inputs. We hypothesize that inherently different photosynthesis/respiration rates among genotypes of a single species or between species may help to explain observed rates of biomass production in the southeast where high temperature are likely to contribute to a reduction in net carbon gain at the whole plant level

Status/Accomplishments: FY98. Season long climatic, edaphic and physiological measurements were made and used to construct a process-based growth model for all three species. Individual-tree biomass equations were developed to predict component growth and yields for each species. Yield equations do not vary significantly by treatment or by clone or by age, though the regression models do vary by species and component per species. Irrigation and fertilizer amendments do not appear to be able to overcome limitations in growth rate occurring in mid-rotation, though absolute growth is higher in irrigated and fertilized treatments.

FY99. Season long climatic, edaphic and physiological measurements were made and used to verify the process-based growth model for all three species. Individual-tree biomass equations for each biomass component growth and yields for each species were adjusted based on additional data. It appears that leaf area index (LAI) is closely linked to water consumption and growth, though at this point it is not clear which of the three processes is controlling the relationship. LAI in sycamore appears to respond favorably to increased water availability even after crown closure has occurred. Fertilization at the tested levels does not seem to have an effect on LAI or on leaf N levels.

Publications and Presentations: Annual oral presentations were made to corporate partners that included protected CRADA information, as well as general performance summaries by species and treatment. No referred publications have been submitted for corporate approval for public release at this time.

Summary Date: September 1999
 
 

Physiology of Poplar Disease Resistance

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan, 865.576.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: Washington State University, Puyallup Research & Extension Center, 7612 Pioneer Way East, Puyallup WA 98371-4998, http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/poplar/
Principal Investigator: Jon Johnson, 253.445.4522; poplar@wsu.edu
Contract Number: 4500010200
Contract Period: 01/99-12/03
Contract Funding:
FY 1999: $75,000

Objective: Hybrid poplars developed by the WSU-UW program are one of the fastest growing temperate trees in the world. Introducing WSU-UW hybrid poplars into other regions of the US would allow for significant production of biomass for energy. To do this, it will be necessary to control diseases that limit growth. This project determines various physiological and morphological traits of disease resistance in hybrid poplar. The two most important diseases that limit poplar productivity in the U.S. are Melampsora leaf rust and Septoria stem canker. Selection and breeding for resistant planting stock is the only economically viable means of eliminating or minimizing the impacts of these two diseases.

Approach/Background:

Task 2: Mechanisms of Disease Resistance

Subtask 2: Septoria canker; understand host/site factors controlling infection. Objective: To understand how soil and nutrition may control resistance to Septoria infection. A study was conducted in May 1999 to test if soil pH affects bark pH, which, in turn, inhibits stem infection by Septoria populicola. Cuttings of five TD clones were rooted under mist and transplanted into pots containing soil. One third of the pots were amended with lime to raise soil pH to 8, one third were treated with phosphoric acid to lower soil pH to 4 and the remaining pots were controls with a soil pH of 6. After one month, the petioles were inoculated with spores of Septoria populicola. Presence of lesions after two months was taken as a successful infection.

Task 3: Growth and Physiological Impacts of Disease. Subtask 1: Changes in carbon, water and nutrient allocation during symptom development in known susceptible and resistant clones.

Objectives: To understand physiological changes that occur during the infection process and symptom manifestation, and to begin to identify quantifiable traits related to host physiology.

Greenhouse research was conducted using leaf rust-host differentials. A study comparing the response of one clone to a virulent and an avirulent pathotype was started.

Status/Accomplishments:

Task 2: Mechanisms of Disease Resistance

Subtask 2: The treatments were significant at a P = 0.08 level, suggesting that soil pH affecting bark pH may not be the mechanism of resistance, but may be correlated to resistance. This study used Septoria populicola which normally doesn't form stem lesions like its midwest relative, S. musiva.

Task 3: Growth and Physiological Impacts of Disease. Subtask 1: One greenhouse study has been completed, but the infection intensity was very low. Viability of this pathotype is now being assessed. Another, more virulent pathotype may need to be used for future studies.

Publications and Presentations:

  1. Johnson, J.D. 1999. Hybrid Poplar Production in the Pacific Northwest and the United States. Presented at IUFRO and IEA Joint Meeting on Short Rotation Forestry, March 3-7, 1999, Laguna, Philippines.
  2. Johnson, J.D. 1999. Hybrid Poplar: An Overview. Presented at the Tri-State SAF Joint Meeting on Hybrid Poplars in the Pacific Northwest: Culture, Commerce, and Capability, April 7-9, 1999, Richland, WA. In press.
  3. Johnson, J. D. 1999. Nutrient Use and Stand Sustainability. Presented at the Tri-State SAF Joint Meeting on Hybrid Poplars in the Pacific Northwest: Culture, Commerce, and Capability, April 7-9, 1999, Richland, WA. In press.
  4. Johnson, J.D. 1999. Root-Shoot Controls as affected by Soil Temperature in Hybrid Poplar Cuttings. Presented at the International Poplar Symposium II, September 13 - 17, 1999, Orleans, France.

Summary Date: December 1999
 
 

Poplar Molecular Genetics Cooperative

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan
865.576.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: University of Washington, College of Forest Resources Box 354115, Seattle, WA 98195, http://poplar2.cfr.washington.edu/pmgc
Principal Investigator: H.D. Bradshaw, Jr.
206.616.1796, toby@u.washington.edu
Contract Number: ST806-19
Contract Period: 3/95 - 2/00
Contract Funding:
FY 1998: $12,500
FY 1999: $12,500

Objective: The goals of the PMGC are to: 1) increase understanding of the molecular genetic mechanisms causing variation in productivity and quality traits in hybrid poplar; and, 2) use research results to accelerate progress in poplar breeding for biomass yield.

Approach/Background: The key to sustained genetic improvement in Populus is a detailed understanding of traits such as biomass yield, wood chemistry, and disease resistance. This will accelerate progress in breeding by providing improved methods to identify superior poplar clones for immediate commercial use, parents for the next generation of hybrids, and isolated genes for biotechnological manipulation.

The first element in a genetics program is the production of informative pedigrees. The PMGC is breeding five species of Populus with proven value for biomass plantations: P. trichocarpa, P. deltoides, P. nigra, P. maximowiczii, P. balsamifera. Broad geographic ranges were covered to assure production of new clones adapted to most of North America. Breeding efforts were concentrated on production of F1 interspecific hybrids since they consistently outperform pure species.

The second element of the PMGC research program is the development of genomics tools, such as genetic markers and large-insert DNA libraries, suitable for the isolation of individual genes affecting biomass yield and quality.

Status/Accomplishments: The PMGC has attracted member organizations from three continents, four countries, fourteen companies, four government agencies, and three universities. The annual PMGC budget leverages DOE funding more than 10-fold.

The PMGC has produced more than 15,000 new hybrid poplar clones for testing and deployment by member organizations; in many cases these represent the first new germplasm tested in a decade. Field trials are in place from Chile to Canada, and from Washington to Florida. Many of these clones appear to be highly promising in terms of biomass yield.

The PMGC has developed the first and most extensive collection of microsatellite markers for Populus. These markers are now in use by researchers around the world for comparing genetic maps among poplar pedigrees, determining clonal identity for quality control, paternity testing, and estimation of gene flow from plantation forests into native stands. A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) genomic library, suitable both for cloning genes and for the eventual construction of a physical map of the Populus genome, has been constructed.

Publications and Presentations:

  1. Frewen, B.E., Chen, T.H.H., Howe, G., Davis, J., Rohde, A., Boerjan, W., and Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (2000) QTL and candidate gene mapping of bud set and bud flush in Populus. Genetics 154: 837-845.
  2. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1998) Case history in genetics of long-lived plants: Molecular approaches to domestication of a fast-growing forest tree: Populus. In: Molecular dissection of complex traits. Paterson, A. (ed), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, pp. 219-228.
  3. Newcombe, G., Bradshaw, H.D., Jr., Chastagner, G.A., & Stettler, R.F. (1996) A major gene for resistance to Melampsora medusae f.sp. deltoidae in a hybrid poplar pedigree. Phytopathology 86(1): 87-94.
  4. Wu, R., Bradshaw, H.D., Jr., & Stettler, R.F. (1998) Developmental quantitative genetics of growth in Populus. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 97: 1110-1119.
  5. Wu, R., Bradshaw, H.D., Jr., & Stettler, R.F. (1997) Molecular genetics of growth and development in Populus. V. Mapping quantitative trait loci affecting leaf variation. American Journal of Botany 84(2): 143-153.
  6. Newcombe, G. & Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1996) Quantitative trait loci conferring resistance in hybrid poplar to leaf spot caused by Septoria populicola. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 26(11): 1943-1950.
  7. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1996) Molecular genetics of Populus. In: Biology of Populus and its implications for management and conservation. Stettler, R.F., Bradshaw, H.D., Jr., Heilman, P.E., & Hinckley, T.M. (eds), NRC Press, Ottawa, pp. 183-199.
  8. Howe, G.T., Davis, J., Frewen, B., Sarul, P., Jekni, Z., Bradshaw, H.D., Jr., & Chen, T.H.H. (1998) Molecular genetic approaches for studying endodormancy in trees: Model systems using species and hybrids of Populus. HortScience 34: 1174-1184.
  9. Villar, M., Lefevre, F., Bradshaw, H.D., & Teissier du Cros, E. (1996) Molecular genetics of rust resistance in poplars (Melampsora larici-populina Kleb./ Populus sp.) by bulked segregant analysis in a 2 x 2 factorial mating design. Genetics 143: 531-536.
  10. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1999) Quantitative genetics in the era of genomics. Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, 16 June.
  11. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1999) Populus as a model system for forest tree genetics and genomics. Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, 15 June.
  12. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1999) 21 st Century genomics and the Poplar Molecular Genetics Cooperative. Weyerhaeuser Technology Center, Tacoma, WA, 31 March.
  13. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1999) The application of genome science to increase the production of energy from biomass. NAS/ NRC Committee to Review the R&D Strategy for Biomass-Derived Ethanol and Biodiesel Transportation Fuels, Irvine, CA, 11 February.
  14. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. and Strauss, S.H. (1999) Strategies for identifying genes that are QTLs. Plant and Animal Genome VII, Forest Tree Genome Mapping Workshop, San Diego, CA, 17 January.
  15. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1998) The Poplar Molecular Genetics Cooperative. Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile, 11 November.
  16. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1998) Molecular breeding in Populus. Silvotecna Meeting, Concepcion, Chile, 13 November.
  17. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1998) Future applications of genetic mapping in tree breeding and selection. Shell International Renewables Limited Forestry Research, 2020 Vision Workshop for Forest Biotechnology, East Malling, Kent, U.K., 15-16 June.
  18. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1998) Poplar Molecular Genetics Cooperative research. Forestry Centre, U.K., 11 June.
  19. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1997) Genetic architecture of quantitative traits in Populus. IUFRO Conference on Silviculture and Improvement of Eucalypts, Salvador, Brazil, 24-29 August.
  20. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1997) The Poplar Molecular Genetics Cooperative. Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto CA, 21 August.
  21. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1997) Mapping quantitative trait loci in forest trees. Western Forest Genetics Association, Berkeley CA, 4 August.
  22. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1997) Mapping quantitative trait loci in forest trees. Institute of Forest Genetics, Placerville CA, 31 July.
  23. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1996) Molecular genetics of Populus. CENARGEN-EMBRAPA, Brasilia, Brazil, 12 December.
  24. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1996) Molecular breeding of Populus. New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua, NZ, 21 August.
  25. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr., Stanton, B.J., Stine, M., & Li, B. (1996) Case study in molecular breeding of forest trees: Populus. Novel Applications of Molecular Markers in Forest Trees. Scientific Regional Information Exchange Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 24-26 June.
  26. Bradshaw, H.D., Jr. (1996) Domestication of forest trees by molecular breeding. Plant Science Lecture Series, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 11-12 January.

Summary Date: September 1999
 
 

Populus Crop Development in the Southeast United States

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan, 865.576.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: Mississippi State University, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State, MS 39762
Principal Investigator: Sam Land, Jr. 662.325.2786, sland@cfr.msstate.edu
Contract Number: Interagency Agreement DE-AI05-96OR22464
Contract Period: 02/95-12/02
Contract Funding:
FY 1998: $103,860
FY 1999: $60,480

Objective: Collect and develop improved genetic varieties (clones) of eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) for use in energy and fiber crops throughout the southeastern United States. Identify sources (provenances) and clones best suited to various site types in different parts of the region. Determine DNA markers for use in source and clone identification.

Approach/Background: Subdivide the Southeast into six sub-regions: (1) Southeast Atlantic (SA) from NC to GA, (2) East Gulf (EG) for AL, west FL, and east MS, (3) East Central (EC) for TN and west KY, (4) Lower MS River Valley (LM) for west MS and east LA, (5) West Gulf (WG) for west LA and east TX, and (6) West Central (WC) for west AR and east OK. Collect cuttings and establish breeding orchards and clone nurseries for tested clones from LM, WG, and WC. Collect seeds and leaves from natural stands in SA, EG, and EC. Extract DNA from leaves and find RAPD markers that can be used for clone and seed-source identities.

Make controlled crosses among selected trees from LM, WG, and WC. Produce rooted, containerized cuttings from seedlings of controlled crosses and of seeds collected from natural stands. Plant the rooted cuttings in field trials at four sites (s.e. MO, s.w. AL, north FL, and n.e. NC) to screen for superior three-year growth and leaf-disease resistance.

Status/Accomplishments:

FY 1995-97: Established 214 tested clones from LM, WG, and WC in breeding orchards and clone nurseries. Located 72 natural stands in SA, EG, and EC. Attempts to make controlled crosses on limb cuttings were mostly unsuccessful, so this will be delayed until trees flower in the orchards.

FY 1998: Collected seeds and leaves from 65 of the natural stands. Extracted DNA from 150 of 410 leaf samples. Grew seedlings from 188 trees in the natural stands and from 7 successful controlled crosses.

FY 1999: Completed DNA extractions from leaves of 264 trees, and determined that sub-regions can be identified from RAPD markers. Produced 13,830 rooted cuttings from 1,402 seedling clones (for four field tests), and planted two sites (s.e. MO and north FL) that have drip irrigation. The other two tests will be planted in FY 2000.

Publications and Presentations:

  1. Land, S.B. Jr., A.W. Ezell, S.H. Schoenholtz, G.A. Tuskan, T.J. Tschaplinski, M. Stine, H.D. Bradshaw, R.C. Kellison, and J. Portwood. 1996. Intensive culture of cottonwood and hybrid poplars. Pp. 167-89. In Carter, M.C. (ed.) Growing Trees in a Greener World: Industrial Forestry in the 21st Century--35th LSU Forestry Symposium. School of Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA.
  2. Ma, X., and M. Stine. 1999. Genetic diversity analysis of eastern cottonwood by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA. Abstract. In Proceedings 25th Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference, July 11-15, 1999. New Orleans, LA.
  3. Warwell, M.V., G.R. Alker, D.L. Rockwood, S.B. Land, Jr., and M. Stine. 1999. Culture and genetic influences on greenwood cutting propagation of a new collection of eastern cottonwood in the South.In Proceedings 25th Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference, July 11-15, 1999. New Orleans, LA.
  4. Land, S.B.Jr., and N.B. Singh. 1997. Populus tree improvement in northern India. Pp. 224-33. In Proceedings of the 24 th Biennial Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference, June 9-12, 1997. Sponsored Publication No.46; Southern Forest Tree Improvement Committee. Available from: NTIS, Springfield, VA; PB 97-186217.
  5. Land, S.B.Jr. 1999. Genetic diversity and improvement of Populus in the southeastern United States. Presented at the Research Meeting: Southern Industrial Forestry Research Council and Department of Forestry, Forest & Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University, April 6, 1999.

Summary Date: September 1999
 
 
 

Regional Testing of Populus Clones

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan, 865.574.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture, North Central Forest Experiment Station, Forestry Sciences Laboratory Rhinelander, WI 54501, http://www.ncfes.umn.edu
Principal Investigator: Don Riemenschneider, 715.362.1115, Riemenschneider_Don/nc_rh@fs.fed.us
Contract Number: Interagency Agreement
DE-AI05-95OR22437
Contract Period: 8/95-12/00
Contract Funding:
FY 1998: $
FY 1999: $

Objective: Our objective is to expand and accelerate poplar breeding and selection in the North Central United States by implementing a regional testing program for Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan. This work is significant because there have been no regional cooperative tests of newly developed Populus clones in our region in the last 30 years.

Approach/Background: This project provides estimates of genetic and environmental effects on the growth of new hybrid Populus clones by evaluating (1) the magnitude of clonal variation at each location relative to current commercial standards, (2) the stability of clonal performance across locations, and (3) how environmental conditions and the distribution of diseases affects stability. Common garden experiments are conducted where all clones to be tested are planted at each of four locations in Minnesota (MN), Iowa (IA), Wisconsin, and Michigan. Testing focuses on Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) which has potential as a biofuels crop and is a native species in the North Central region. We also test inter-specific cottonwood hybrids and hybrid aspen We measure tree height, tree diameter, and the incidence of diseases. We then estimate variances attributable to locations, blocks within locations, clones, and the clone x location interaction. Variance and covariance components are used to estimate heritabilities on both an individual location basis and over all locations, clone x location interactions (an indication of stability) and genetic correlations among various plant traits.

Status/Accomplishments: Two sets of tests were established thus far, one each in 1995 and 1997. Clones were obtained from Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota for inclusion in the 1995 planting based on age two year growth and resistance to leaf diseases. Fourth year height, diameter and above-ground biomass have been analyzed from the 1995 field tests. The main effects due to clone across the region for all measurements was small relative to the clone x location interaction. Clone x location interactions were especially characteristic of the MN and IA locations where combined analyses showed no significant main effect of clone. Inspection of clone means, correlation analyses and application of principal component analysis to the multi-location data set demonstrated that clones bred and selected in Iowa performed well at the IA test site while clones bred and selected in MN performed well at the MN test site. Opportunities to transfer clones between breeding programs in MN and IA appear limited. Clone effects and, thus, heritability remain strong at individual locations. Some experimental clones have demonstrated growth rates that are significantly greater then the commercial controls.

Publications and Presentations:

  1. Dickson, R.E., M.D. Coleman, D.E. Riemenschneider, J.G. Isebrands, G.D. Hogan, and D.F. Karnosky. 1998. Growth of five hybrid poplar genotypes exposed to interacting elevated CO 2 and O 3. Can. J. For. Res. 28:1706-1716.
  2. Netzer, D.E., D.E. Riemenschneider, and E.O. Bauer. 1998. Phytotoxic screening of preemergent herbicides on Populus in northern Minnesota. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society 53:105-111.
  3. Buhler, D.D., D.A. Netzer, D.E. Riemenschneider, and R.G. Hartzler. 1998. Weed management in short rotation poplar and herbaceous perennial crops grown for biofuel production. Biomass and Bioenergy 14:385-394.
  4. Karnosky, D., Podila, G.K., Shin, D., and Riemenschneider, D.E. 1997. Differential expression of the aroA gene in transgenic hybrid poplar; Influence of promoter and of ozone. In N.B. Klopfenstein, Y.W. Chun, and M.R. Ahuja (eds) Micropropagation, Genetic Engineering, and Molecular Biology of Populus.
  5. Karnosky. D.F., D.I. Shin, G.K. Podila, V.L. Chiang, and D.E. Riemenschneider, 1997. Biotechnology in forest tree improvement. In A.K. Mandal (ed.) Tree Breeding. Elsevier Publishing.

Summary Date: September 1999
 
 

Septoria Pathosystem Studies for Populus

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan, 865.576.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture, North Central Research Station, 1992 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, http://www.ncfes.umn.edu
Principal Investigator: Michael E. Ostry, 612.649.5113, ostry001@tc.umn.edu
Contract Number: Interagency Agreement
DE -AI05-95OR22434
Contract Period: 06/95-5/00
Contract Funding: FY 1998: $15,000
FY 1999: $20,000

Objective: The goal of this project is to minimize the damage to poplar biomass plantations caused by pathogens (eg., the fungi Septoria and Melampsora spp.). The objectives are to identify and develop poplar clones that have disease resistance or tolerance to other damaging agents (e.g. insects, drought).

Approach/Background: This will be accomplished by (1) validating and characterizing disease resistance expressed by tissue culture-derived clones planted in Minnesota and Wisconsin, (2) assessing the level of genetic and pathogenic variation in Septoria spp., and (3) monitoring the impacts of disease in various clonal trials in order to identify resistant families and individual clones.

Two species of Septoria affect native and introduced poplars in North America. S. musiva causes cankers of hybrid poplars in the north central and northeastern United States as well as in Ontario, Canada but is not present in the Pacific Northwest where many susceptible poplars are native or planted. S. populicola is present throughout North America, but does not cause cankers. The distribution and genetic variation of these pathogens need to known to effectively develop screening systems that can reliably be used test poplars for disease resistance.

Tissue culture was used to regenerate plants (somaclones) from two poplar clones that expressed greater disease resistance than the original donor clones in laboratory and greenhouse studies.

The distribution, molecular, and pathogenic variation among a large collection of Septoria spp. isolates are being examined using molecular markers and by challenging a selected set of poplar clones with the pathogens.

Status/Accomplishments: A high degree of molecular genetic variation, but no isolate-clone specificity or geographical clustering was evident among isolates of S. musiva. However, S. musiva and S. populicola have different geographical and host ranges. The two species are difficult to identify by spore or cultural characteristics. Although S. populicola does not cause cankers in nature, it does have the ability to cause stem cankers in artificial inoculations of hybrid poplars in the greenhouse. S. musiva, however, is more aggressive.

Several somaclones have outperformed their source clones in growth and have exhibited greater resistance or tolerance to stem cankers caused by S. musiva in replicated field tests in WI and MN. Selected somaclones will be propagated in stool beds and used for additional field and greenhouse tests.

Clonal trials have been evaluated for resistance to the major diseases in the north central region. Pathogen populations and disease severity are being monitored in order detect any evidence for new pathogen species or the development of new races.

Publications and Presentations:

  1. Ward, K.T. 1998. Molecular genetic variation in Septoria musiva and S. populicola. M.S. Thesis, University of Minnesota, 58 p.

Summary Date: September 1999
 
 

Short Rotation Woody Crops Cooperative Research Program

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan
865.576.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, MS-6422, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6422, http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/bfdpmain.html
Principal Investigator: Stan Wullschleger, 865.574.7839, wullschlegsd @ornl.govl
Contract Number: Interagency agreement DE-AIO5-99OR22724
Contract Period: 12/99-11/01
Contract Funding:
FY 1998: $0
FY 1999: $12,000

Objective: The Short Rotation Woody Crops Cooperative Research (SRWC) Program was established to collect fundamental crop and soil data at the Department of Energy's Savanna River Site in cooperation with USDA-Forest Service, Savanna River Institute. Priority issues being investigated include understanding mechanisms involved in forest productivity, monitoring local environmental impacts of short-rotation forests, and studying insects and disease susceptibility. These core studies will supplemented with external funds brought to the SRWC Cooperative by industrial researchers and university collaborators.

Approach/Background: A field experiment is being conducted that will study the response of cottonwood, sweetgum,, and sycamore to nutrient and water manipulations. The irrigation factor will include two levels, irrigated and non-irrigated. Eight fertilization treatment levels will be applied in combination with irrigation treatments.

Site preparation will include shearing of any existing tree cover and raking. Piling and burning of debris will be in areas designated as roadways or plot borders. A deep root rake will be used to remove smaller stumps; larger stumps will be pulled. The land will be disked in at least two directions and harrow raked until acceptably level.

Monitoring of stand responses to the various fertilization and irrigation treatments will be organized according to one of several objectives. These include quantification of growth, nutrient pools, nutrient fluxes, water relations and nutrient cycling, and other investigator initiated research issues relevant to SRWC.

Status/Accomplishments: The SRWC Program initiated work on Experiment A, "Fundamental Controls of Growth and Productivity" during FY99. A suitable site was identified on the Savannah River Site consisting of 100 acres of level ground with a well-drained deep soil. The site was cleared of existing pine forest through a timber sale (April, 1999) and the ground was prepared by raking large-diameter surface debris (August, 1999) and then tilling and incorporating remaining debris including stumps to a depth of 12 inches using a 500 hp reclaimer/stabilizer (October, 1999). The ground was then disked (November, 1999) and lime applied (January, 2000).

Initial soil samples were collected prior to timber harvest (March, 1999) for evaluating chemical and physical properties. Soil samples were also collected following removal of surface debris in cooperation Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Center for Carbon Sequestration (September, 1999).

Experimental start date is set for the first of April, 2000 following completion of the irrigation system and tree planting. Fertilizer and irrigation treatments will be applied through October. Seedling survival, above- and below-ground growth and environmental parameters will be monitored throughout the growing season. Soil moisture samples will be collected monthly from lysimeters. Year-end harvest will be used to evaluate carbon and nutrient mass balance of the plantation during the critical establishment year.

Publications and Presentations: None

Summary Date: March 2000
 
 

Testing of Willow Clones for Biomass Production in Wisconsin

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan, 865.574.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture, North Central Research Station, 5985 Highway K Rhinelander, WI 54501 http://www.ncfes.umn.edu
Principal Investigator: J.G. Isebrands, 715.362.1116, jisebrands@fs.fed.us
Contract Number: Interagency Agreement DE-AI05-97OR-22628
Contract Period: 09/97-09/03
Contract Funding:
FY 1998: $30,000
FY 1999: $30,000

Objective: The following objectives are important to assessing the potential of willows for biomass production in Wisconsin:

  1. Establish a plantation at the Harshaw Experimental Farm in Rhinelander, WI with 32 selected willow clones and 8 standard hybrid poplar clones according to current "best" management practices in 1997 in cooperation with State University of New York (SUNY);
  2. determine clonal and environmental effects on variation in biomass yield in 1998 after coppicing;
  3. determine whether and how variation in yield attributable to clonal and environmental effects can be explained by variation in physiological adaptation and function;
  4. provide new clonal material and data for further willow selection/breeding work;
  5. establish a willow herbicide screening study at the Harshaw Experimental Farm in Rhinelander, WI to determine which available herbicide treatments will control weeds.

Approach/Background: Our goal is to assess the potential of willow clones for a bioenergy crop in the Lake States by assessing their productivity, conducting studies of basic physiology and morphology, and collecting material and information for selection and breeding. To accomplish this assessment, we have established replicated field trials of willow clones in Wisconsin and New York to facilitate the improved understanding of willow clones and the development of new clones for breeding. Our research contributes to the development of willow clonal stock available for planting bioenergy crops on a wide variety of sites in North America. The development of a strong and ongoing clonal improvement program through natural selections, biological characterizations, and tree breeding is of critical importance to the success and profitability of willow biomass crops.

Status/Accomplishments: Our initial willow coppice study was established at the Harshaw Experimental Farm near Rhinelander, WI in 1997 with the same common 32 willow and 7 hybrid poplar clones used in a replicated test at Tully, NY. Measurements of mortality, height, diameter, leaf area, leaf nitrogen, and incidence of pests were taken throughout the 1997 season. In the winter of 1997/1998 after 1 year, the plantation was coppiced and allowed to resprout. In 1998 and 1999, the same measurements were taken as in 1997, as well as number of coppice sprouts. Height growth in 1998 after coppicing ranged from 31 to 129 cm and was hampered by problems with weed control and drought. Clones of Salix purpera and udensis performed best. Few insects and disease problems were observed. A herbicide screening study was established in 1998 with 5 willow clones and 7 herbicides. Under drought, the herbicide "Goal" gave "best" results and there was a significant clone x herbicide interaction. In 1999, moisture conditions at Harshaw improved and total height ranged from 1 to 26 m. A second herbicide study established in 1999 showed that height growth under a "better" moisture regime improved with the herbicide "Milestone". Mortality averaged 10% and a significant clone x herbicide interaction was again present. Collections of native Lake States and Canadian willows were also made and archived at Rhinelander, WI.

Publications and Presentations:

  1. Tharakan, P.J., L.P. Abrahamson, J.G. Isebrands, and D.J. Robison. 1998. First year growth and development of willow and poplar bioenergy crops as related to foliar characteristics. Pp. 1170-1180. In Proceedings of the 8th Biennial Conference, Bioenergy '98: Expanding Bioenergy Partnerships. Madison, WI.

Summary date: September 1999
 
 

Tree Genetic Engineering Research Cooperative

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Gerald Tuskan, 865.576.8141, tuskanga@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: Oregon State University, Forest Science Dept.,Corvallis, OR 97331, http://www.fsl.orst.edu/tgerc/
Principal Investigator: Steven H. Strauss, 541.737.6578, strauss@fsl.orst.edu, Richard Meilan, 541.737.6097, meilanr@fsl.orst.edu
Contract Number: 85X-SP655V
Contract Period: 12/98-12/99
Contract Funding:
FY 1998: $60,000
FY 1999: $30,000

Objective: To conduct research and transfer technology on the use of genetically engineered trees in short-rotation culture. The primary aim of TGERC research is to understand and mitigate environmental risks of transgenic plantations. Emphasis is placed on the study of means to genetically engineer floral sterility to prevent "genetic pollution," and analysis of the ecological consequences of transgene spread. Other projects include: improving transformation efficiency and testing the field performance of herbicide-, disease-, and insect-resistant transgenic trees. Using genetic engineering to supplement breeding of short-rotation trees can benefit biomass producers by: 1) enhancing tree growth, 2) facilitating use of marginal land, 3) improving feedstock quality, 4) decreasing management costs, and 5) reducing environmental impacts.

Approach/Background: Interspecific hybridization has led to the development of very fast-growing lines of hybrid poplar. Some of these hybrid lines are now being grown in large commercial plantations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Poplars are primarily grown for pulp and biomass, but are also valuable for removal of agrochemicals from ground-water, bioremediation of polluted sites, and for stream bank stabilization and restoration.

Genetic engineering will improve poplar's utility for short-rotation intensive culture. Although hybrid poplars have tremendous growth potential, they are very susceptible to insect herbivory, vegetative competition, and a variety of pathogens. Genes are that can ameliorate these shortcomings.

Poplar is an ideal model system for woody plant genetic manipulation because it is easy to transform and vegetatively propagate, and has a small genome to facilitate gene isolation. Several poplar clones are readily transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Techniques developed in our laboratory have greatly improved the efficacy with which previously recalcitrant, but commercially important, clones can now be transformed and regenerated.

Status/Accomplishments

  • The promoter of the PTD floral homeotic gene from poplar, when directing expression of a cytotoxin, selectively destroyed floral tissues, causing sterility.
  • Several hundred transgenic plants were produced and tested in the laboratory and field for the effects of genes that control flowering.
  • Seed and pollen movement in poplar was intensively analyzed using multiplex analysis with 10 microsatellite markers.
  • Several highly resistant lines were identified during a field screening trial in which glyphosate herbicide (Roundup Ò ) was sprayed at rates several times higher than normal commercial levels.
  • A rebuilt Cry3a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin gene provided virtual immunity to damage from cottonwood leaf beetle in transgenic poplars grown under natural infestation in eastern OR.
  • We created the first genome map of a poplar leaf beetle using AFLP genetic markers, and used it to identify a locus imparting resistance to Bt.
  • Several disease resistance-like genes were isolated from poplar and sequenced.

Publications and Presentations

  1. Brunner, A.M., R. Mohamed, R. Meilan, L.A. Sheppard, W.H. Rottmann, and S. H. Strauss. 1998. Genetic engineering of sexual sterility in shade trees. J. Arboricult.24(5):263-273.
  2. James, R., S.P. DiFazio, A.M. Brunner, and S.H. Strauss. 1998. Environmental effects of genetic engineering of woody biomass crops. Biomass & Bioenergy 14:403-414.
  3. Strauss, S.H., R. Meilan, S.P. DiFazio, A.M. Brunner, S. Leonardi, J.S. Skinner, K.V. Krutovskii, and R. Mohamed. 1999. Tree Genetic Engineering Research Cooperative Annual Report: 1998-1999. For. Res. Lab., OR State Univ. 45 pp.
  4. Aagaard, J.E., K.V. Krutovskii, and S.H. Strauss. 1998. RAPDs and allozymes exhibit similar levels of diversity and differentiation among populations and races of Douglas-fir. Heredity 81:69-78.
  5. Brunner, A.M. 1999. Genes controlling flowering in Populus: Homologs of the Arabidopsis genes APETALA1 and AGAMOUS. Forest Biotechnology '99, Oxford, U.K., July 14, 1999.
  6. Brunner, A.M. 1998. Structure and expression of two P. trichocarpa homologs of the floral homeotic gene AGAMOUS. Ph.D. thesis. Oregon State University.
  7. Brunner, A.M., J.S. Skinner, P. Smithwick, C. Ma, S. Cheng, and S.H. Strauss. 1999. Dominant negative mutations of floral homeotic genes for genetic engineering of sterility in forest trees. Annual review meeting, Biotechnology and Tree Improvement Panel, Agenda 2020/DOE, Atlanta, GA, March 29, 1999.
  8. DiFazio, S.P. 1999. Outcrossing Risks for Transgenic Hybrid Poplars. Forest Biotechnology '99. University of Oxford, Oxford, U.K., July 14, 1999.
  9. DiFazio, S.P. 1999. Assessing potential risks of transgene escape from fiber plantations. British Crop Protection Council Symposium: Gene Flow and Agriculture, Relevance for Transgenic Crops. University of Keele, Staffordshire, U.K., April 13, 1999.
  10. DiFazio, S.P., S. Leonardi, S. Cheng, and S.H. Strauss. 1999. Assessing potential risks of transgene escape from fiber plantations. pp. 171-176. In P.W. Lutman (ed.) Gene flow and agriculture: Relevance for transgenic crops. Symposium Proceedings No. 72. British Crop Protection Council, Farnham, U.K.
  11. DiFazio, S.P., M.V. Wilson, and N.C. Vance. 1998. Factors limiting seed production of Taxus brevifolia (Taxaceae) in Western Oregon. Am. J. Bot. 85(7): 910-918.
  12. James, R.R., B.A. Croft, and S.H. Strauss. 1998. Susceptibility of the cottonwood leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to different strains and transgenic toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis. Environ. Entomol. 28:108-115.
  13. James, R., S.P. DiFazio, A.M. Brunner, and S.H. Strauss. 1998. Environmental effects of genetic engineering of woody biomass crops. Biomass & Bioenergy 14:403-414.
  14. Krutovskii, K.V., S.S. Vollmer, F.C. Sorensen, W.T. Adams, S.J. Knapp, and S.H. Strauss. 1998. RAPD genome maps of Douglas-fir. J. Hered. 89:197-205.
  15. Meilan, R., K.-H. Han, C. Ma, R. James, R. Crockett, J. Eaton, E. Hoien, M. Taylor, G. Rogan, L. Holden, B. Stanton, and S. Strauss. 1997. Cooperative field tests of transgenic, glyphosate-resistant cottonwoods. Poplar Council of Canada Annual Meeting, Campbell River, B.C., September 30-October 2, 1997.
  16. Skinner, J.S. and M.P. Timko. 1998. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) contains multiple expressed genes encoding light-dependent NADPH:protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR). Plant Cell Physiol. 39:795-806.
  17. Skinner, J.S. and M.P. Timko. 1999. Differential expression of genes encoding the light-dependent and light-independent enzymes for protochlorophyllide reduction during development in loblolly pine. Plant Mol. Biol. 39:577-592.
  18. Skinner, J.S., A.M. Brunner, and S.H. Strauss. 1999. Floral MADS-box gene families in Populus and Eucalyptus. Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research, Washington, D.C., March 2-3, 1999.
  19. Skinner, J.S., A.M. Brunner, and S.H. Strauss. 1999. Genes controlling the transition between vegetative and reproductive phases in forest trees. Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research, Washington, D.C., March 2-3, 1999.
  20. Skinner, J.S., C. Ma, S. Cheng, R. Meilan, and S.H. Strauss. 1999. Engineering of cytotoxin-based genetic sterility in poplar using the promoter of a Deficiens-like gene from Populus trichocarpa. Forest Biotechnology '99, Oxford, UK, July 14, 1999.
  21. Southerton, S.S., S.H. Strauss, M.R. Olive, R.L. Harcourt, V. Decroocq, X. Zhu, D.J. Llewellyn, W.J. Peacock, and E.S. Dennis. 1998. Eucalyptus has a functional equivalent of the Arabidopsisfloral meristem identity gene LEAFY. Plant Molec. Biol.37:897-910.
  22. Strauss, S.H. 1999. Scientific issues and the role of TGERC in establishment of genetically engineered forest plantations. New Forests: Symposium on Forest Biotechnology, Biotechnology Industry Organization National Meeting, Seattle, WA, May 17, 1999.
  23. Strauss, S.H., R. Mohammed, K.V. Krutovskii, and J. S. Skinner. 1999. Introduction to project: Genes controlling the transition between vegetative and reproductive phases in forest trees. Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research, Washington, D.C., March 2-3, 1999.
  24. Strauss, S.H., R. Mohammed, K.V. Krutovskii, and J. S. Skinner. 1999. Cataloging of potential pest resistance genes in poplar. Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research, Washington, D.C., March 2-3, 1999.
  25. Strauss, S.H., G.R. Tuskan, R.B. Hall, G. Newcombe, J. Davis, and J. Eaton. 1999. Working group report on ecological effects of pest resistance genes in transgenic poplar. Symposium on Ecological Effects of Pest Resistance Genes, Information Systems for Biotechnology, Bethesda, MD, January-February 1999.
  26. Wu, J., K. Krutovskii, and S.H. Strauss. 1999. Nuclear DNA diversity, population differentiation, and phylogenetic relationships in the California Closed-Cone Pines based on RAPD and allozyme markers. Genome 42:893-908.
  27. Wu, J., K.V. Krutovskii, and S.H. Strauss. 1998. Abundant mitochondrial genome diversity, population differentiation, and convergent phenotypic evolution in pines. Genetics 150:1605-1614.

Summary Date: September 1999
 
 

Plant Modification for Fuel Feedstock Enhancement

Research Funded by: U.S. Department of Energythrough the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Project Manager: Lynn Wright 865.574.7378, wrightll@ornl.gov
Performing Organization: Ron Dinus, Consultant, 2490 Goshen Road, Bellingham, Washington 98226-9556
360.966.4027
Principal Investigator: Lynn Wright, 865.574.7378
Contract Number: 4500007253
Contract Period: 05/99-04/00
Contract Funding:
FY 1999: $27,125

Objective: Evaluate the opportunities and limitations for using biotechnology to modify woody crop characteristics for use in bioenergy applications. Provide recommendations on research needs and most appropriate pathways for modifying woody crop characteristics.

Approach/Background: The evaluation was conducted through an extensive survey of the literature on activities relevant to modifying crop characteristics using either classical genetics, genetic marker technology and genetic transformation. The information was collected and summarized in a report to DOE. Experts from USDA, academia, and industry were brought together in a workshop to evaluate the report and discuss research needs and pathways.

Status/Accomplishments: The draft report was completed. The workshop was held during December 1999. The report is being finalized for submission to DOE. A summary of the material will be presented at the Biotechnology Conference to be held in Gatlinburg in May 2000.

Publications and Presentations: None

Summary Date: December 1999

 
BIN button Office of Fuels Development 98-99 Project Summaries - Table of Contents
Last updated: Wednesday, 30-Aug-2000 08:03:45 EDT