Genetic improvement of poplar feedstock quality for ethanol production

Opportunities for matching chemical and physical properties of woody feedst ocks to ethanol production process requirements via genetic improvement hav e long been recognized. Exploitation is now feasible owing to advances in t rait measurement, breeding, and gene transfer technologies. Poplar genetic parameters are favorable largely for reducing lignin and increasing cellulo se contents and specific gravity. Transgenic poplars with decreased lignin and increased cellulose contents, but otherwise normal growth and developme nt, have been produced via genetic transformation. The long-standing debate on feasibility has thus become one of when, not if, designer varieties wil l become available.