Breeding of poplar lines for biomass production in short rotation plantations

Poplars are fast growing trees used in short rotation plantations to harvest biomass for energy production as well as light-coloured cellulose fibers suitable for the production of graphical papers. The genus poplar exhibits high biodiversity. Some poplar species show good wood parameters and have a low nutrient demand, while others exhibit superior growth rates with the requirement for good soil conditions. Poplar-taxonomy assigns poplar species to several sections. We expect that hybrids between poplar species of different sections will combine some of the positive characteristics typical of a section. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to cross poplar species of separate sections by classical breeding. The aim of the project combining the expertise of three partners is to apply protoplast fusion to circumvent this natural barrier. We established in vitro cultures of poplar lines belonging to different sections and characterised the growth parameters and nutrient demand of these lines. The partner “Forstbotanik und Baumphysiologie” examined wood parameters of poplars. Phytowelt GreenTechnologies established regeneration from protoplasts for several lines and achieved regeneration of shoots from fusion experiments.

1. Short rotation plantation

2. Hydroponic culture

3. Micropropagation of poplar