A dosage-based resource for functional genomics in Poplar

The overall goal is to provide new genomic tools for poplar breeders to rapidly identify poplar germplasms with unique genotypes with increased biomass yields. The research takes advantage of advances in DNA sequencing technology to produce and characterize trees that carry additional or missing chromosomal regions. Such properties can confer faster growth. The development of high yielding bioenergy poplar will decrease the acreage required for biomass production, minimize food vs. biofuels land use trade-offs, and the cost of biomass per dry ton, while increasing biofuels carbon balance and sustainability. The project also explores fundamental features of ploidy changes, dosage and heterosis underlying Populus hybrids and their phenotypes.