Genetic modification of short rotation popular wood: Properties for ethanol fuel and fiber productions

Opportunities for matching wood chemical and physical properties to manufac turing and product requirements via genetic modification have long been rec ognized. Exploitation is now feasible due to advances in trait measurement, breeding, genetic mapping and marker, and genetic transformation technolog ies. With respect to classic selection and breeding of short-rotation popla rs, genetic parameters are favorable for decreasing lignin content and incr easing specific gravity, but less so for increasing cellulose content. Know ledge of functional genomics is expanding, as is that needed for eventual a pplication of marker-aided breeding, trait dissection, candidate gene ident ification, and gene isolation. Research on gene transfer has yielded transg enic poplars with decreased lignin and increased cellulose contents, but ot herwise normal growth and development. Until effective marker-aided breedin g technologies become available, the most promising approach for enhancing ethanol fuel and fiber production and processing efficiencies centers on se lecting and breeding poplars for high wood substance yields and genetically transforming them for decreased lignin and increased cellulose contents.