Genetic improvement of poplar feedstock quality for ethanol production.
Opportunities for matching chemical and physical properties of woody feedstocks to ethanol production process requirements via genetic improvement have long been recognized. Exploitation is now feasible owing to advances in trait measurement, breeding, and gene transfer technologies. Poplar genetic parameters are favorable largely for reducing lignin and increasing cellulose contents and specific gravity. Transgenic poplars with decreased lignin and increased cellulose contents, but otherwise normal growth and development, have been produced via genetic transformation. The long-standing debate on feasibility has thus become one of when, not if, designer varieties will become available.
Dinus
R J
RJ
Department of Wood Science, University of British Columbia, Bellingham, WA 98226-9556, USA. dinus@telcomplus
D018533:Biomass; D001709:Biotechnology; D001947:Breeding; D002482:Cellulose / Q000378:metabolism; D000431:Ethanol / Q000378:metabolism*; D016468:Forestry; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D008031:Lignin / Q000378:metabolism; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D014170:Transformation, Genetic; D014197:Trees / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*
D000431:Ethanol; D002482:Cellulose; D008031:Lignin