Carl Douglas and Shawn Mansfield, researchers at UBC, are using genomics to enhance breeding and selection of poplars to improve their potential as a biofuel resource.
In 2010, the provincial and federal governments mandated a minimum of 5% renewable fuel content in gasoline. Additionally, B.C. has requested a 10% reduction in carbon emissions, and a 33% reduction in provincial greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
To help meet these mandates for cleaner energy, Genome Canada, Genome BC and other partners have funded a $9.8 million research project.
According to Genome BC it is essential to develop new feedstocks for biofuel production, the majority of which is expected to come from woody plants and trees.
The researchers are using genomics to study tree growth at the molecular level, as well as wood traits associated with biofuel suitability in poplar trees that grow in abundance across the country.
Their overall aim is to develop short-rotation, fast-growing trees that can thrive in a variety of climates across Canada and produce wood that can be more readily converted to biofuel while minimizing the ecological footprint.
"In human health we know that particular genes are relevant in certain diseases such as cancer," said Douglas.
"We are able to use a similar approach with poplar gene analysis by looking for genes and gene variants related to the desired traits of growth and biomass that would allow us to select stocks more amenable to the bioconversion process used to generate biofuels, such as ethanol."
Concurrently with the genomics research, a team of economists at the University of Alberta is looking into the economic benefits and impacts of changing forest lands to fast-rotation poplar plantations.
According to initial estimates, the potential payoff from a new energy crop, in addition to fuels, would be job creation and stability in rural communities.
Jennifer Harrison
Twitter: JHarrisonBIV