Improve Bioenergy Populus Crops

Modification of the Lignin biosynthetic pathway in populus to improve its utility as a bioenergy crop

Modification of the Lignin Biosynthetic Pathway in Populus to Improve its Utility as a Bioenergy Crop Mc-Intire Stennis Project, photo of tree leaves.Concerns about energy security and the environment have prompted policymakers in the U.S. to explore options for substituting petroleum-based fuels with renewable, sustainable biofuels. The primary liquid biofuel used globally is ethanol. In 2017, 15.8 billion gallons of fuel ethanol were produced in the U.S., a vast majority of which was derived from corn (Renewable Fuels Association, 2018). When a significant portion of the corn crop is diverted away from its primary use (food and feed), the cost of a wide variety of commodities is affected. To meet the growing demand for renewable fuels, while minimizing disruptive economic effects, alternative feedstocks will be needed. Poplars (species within the genus Populus) offer several advantages over other dedicated bioenergy crops, including its ability to flourish on marginal lands (see below). A major impediment for the use of poplar wood or any other cellulosic feedstock is the recalcitrance of lignin. The proposed research will help enable us to assess the benefits that could accrue from using lignin-modified poplar as a feedstock for producing biofuels. Our results with poplar can be used as a guide for other researchers who are attempting to improve the conversion efficiency of other cellulosic feedstocks.

In addition to being a versatile model system, poplars also have commercial value. As a result, trees that have been genetically engineered for research purposes have the potential to be deployed commercially. However, government regulators and the public have concerns about releasing fully fertile transgenic trees. Thus, in a separate project, we are attempting to engineer reproductive sterility. This outcome will not only provide for transgene confinement, but will prevent photosynthate being diverted away from vegetative growth to support reproductive effort. Because sterile trees will grow faster, less land will be needed to produce a given amount of biomass.

Project Director: Dr. Mike Jenkins
10/01/2018 - 06/01/2023

Learn More About Us

Kyle Horton in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resource’s ornithology teaching classroom.
Kyle Horton lands at Purdue to advance bird migration research

Purdue University’s College of Agriculture is proud to welcome Kyle Horton, a nationally...

Read More
Dr. Jacob Goheen with former students Simon and Ali in 2007
Jacob Goheen Named 2024 FNR Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Dr. Jacob Goheen, who received his master’s degree from Purdue in 2002, has contributed to...

Read More
Students walking and bicycling under the Purdue University arch this summer.
College of Agriculture introduces 14 new faculty members

College of Agriculture welcomes 14 new faculty members, kicking off the start of the 2025 fall...

Read More
Jackson Schwartz with extension specialist Jarred Brooke and another student at a prescribed burn.
FNR Field Report: Jackson Schwartz

Jackson Schwartz, who completed his bachelor’s degree in wildlife in May, spent the summer...

Read More
Dr. Ken Kellner at a computer; Kellner teaching; Kellner at Denali National Park.
Dr. Ken Kellner Named Outstanding Young Alumni Award Recipient

Dr. Ken Kellner, who earned his master’s degree (2012) and PhD (2015) from Purdue and...

Read More
Dr. Joe Robb releases ducks with his son Jason; Dr. Joe Robb on a prescribed fire scene; Dr. Joe Robb holds a hognose snake.
Dr. Joe Robb Earns Chase S. Osborn Award in Wildlife Conservation

Dr. Joe Robb, who has spent the last 26 years serving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the...

Read More