Fall 1992
U.S. Department of Energy
Bioenergy Feedstock Development Program at
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Energy Crops Forum was published periodically by the Bioenergy
Feedstock Development Program, Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC., for the U.S. Department of
Energy under Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725.
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Table of Contents
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Jerry Tuskan; BFDP
Tree improvement is an area of scientific endeavor that until recently required
a human lifetime for meaningful results to be realized. With the advent of
clonal propagation techniques and interest in short-rotation forestry, the time
frame required for testing and releasing improved plant materials has been
reduced from decades to years. In addition, new biotechnology tools are now
radically changing the rate and efficiency at which tree improvement can be
achieved.
Simply stated, plant biotechnology is the application of basic biological
sciences for the genetic improvement of plant processes or plant species as a
whole. Several BFDP-funded studies are leading in the development and use of
plant biotechnology for hardwood species. Techniques including tissue culture
propagation, genetic transformation, somaclonal variation, and molecular
mapping are being incorporated into and complemented by ongoing breeding,
physiologic, pathologic, entomological, and morphologic research as part of
BFDP's mission to develop improved energy crops.
The use of biotechnology tools in a plant development program follows a logical
progression. The first step is the development of tissue culture techniques
(i.e., the ability to clonally propagate individual genotypes from excised
tissues). These techniques allow researchers to replicate large numbers of
selected individual plants. But more importantly, tissue culture propagation
systems provide researchers with the means to regenerate genetically modified
individuals. In the early 1980s, BFDP-supported scientists helped to develop
tissue culture methods for sweetgum and alder. More recently, Dr. John Preece
and his associates at Southern Illinois University have defined a tissue
culture system for the commercial production of silver maple. Dr. Scott Merkle,
University of Georgia, is developing tissue culture methods as an intermediate
step in obtaining genetically transformed black locust. Today, Dr. Bob Conger,
University of Tennessee, is working to establish tissue culture protocols for
switchgrass. Once tissue culture systems are established, the techniques of
genetic transformation or somaclonal variation can be pursued. Genetic
transformation involves the movement of a gene, or set of genes, from one
organism to another through mechanisms other than sexual recombination.
Somaclonal variation involves the capturing of genetic variability that is
expressed when plants are regenerated through cell culture. Both techniques
result in the introduction of new characteristics into a breeding or production
populations.
BFDP has provided support under interagency agreements with the U.S. Forest
Service to Dr. Bruce Haissig and his colleagues at Rhinelander, Wisconsin, to
study herbicide resistance in hybrid poplars using both genetic transformation
and somaclonal variation and to Dr. Mike Ostry, St. Paul, Minnesota, to obtain
Septoria resistance in selected hybrid poplars using somaclonal variation. In
addition, Dr. Scott Merkle is testing the "gene gun" as a means of genetic
transformation; the ultimate goal of this work is to insert genes for insect
resistance in black locust.
Several BFDP projects are using molecular mapping to genetically "fingerprint"
individuals in breeding populations. A team headed by Dr. Toby Bradshaw at the
University of Washington is developing a genetic map of hybrid poplar in an
effort to locate genes involved in rapid growth, superior form, and disease
resistance. Dr. Mike Stine, Louisiana State University, is using molecular
makers to determine if apoximis (the formation of seed without fertilization)
is occurring in American sycamore. Dr. Mike Ostry is classifying common poplar
pathogens into biotypes on the basis of their molecular profile.
Each of the above biotechnology efforts is an integral part of ongoing work to
develop and incorporate state-of-the-art research tools for the improvement of
biofuel feedstocks. Through this combination of traditional plant improvement
work and biotechnology, BFDP has moved several steps forward in its quest to
develop broadly adapted, reliable energy crops for the United States.
[Note: The July, 1992 issue of The Canadian Journal of Forest Research features
selected papers from "Marker-aided Selection: A Tool for the Improvement of
Forest Tree Species", an international conference that was co-sponsored by
Weyerhaueser and BFDP in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on June 13-14, 1991.]
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Laércio Couto and David R. Betters; Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil, and
Colorado State University
Brazil has one of the most highly developed industrial forest plantation systems
in the world. Between 1965 and 1985, more than 13.5 million acres (5.5 million
ha) of short-rotation woody crop plantations (SRWCP) were established,
primarily in southern Brazil. These plantings of pine and eucalyptus were
established to compensate for a shortfall in local wood resources that began to
occur in the early 1960s. Although the Brazilian tax incentives were not
without problems, they nevertheless resulted in the creation of a major new
wood supply source. Rural employment opportunities dramatically improved and
Brazil has become a net exporter of SRWC-based wood products that are
competitive in the world market.
The Brazilian companies that depend on SRWCP as their wood source have large
research organizations dedicated to continually improving the yields, quality,
and sustainability of their resource. New developments in the management and
user of SRWCP in Brazil are of interest worldwide.
Industrial plantation companies are addressing environmental concerns by (1)
shifting to the use of leguminous species within plantations in order to reduce
the use of herbicides and chemical fertilizers; (2) chipping logging residues
and debarking logs in the field to reduce nutrient loss and decrease the use of
fire in site preparation; (3) using biological control techniques to address
caterpillar and leaf-eating-ant problems instead of applying chloride-based
pesticides; and (4) organizing certification standards for exported wood
products through cooperation among companies, non-government organizations, and
research groups to ensure that the wood product meets quality standards and the
production process satisfies environmental concerns.
New product developments include (1) an increase in pulp production and a
decrease in charcoal production from eucalyptus and pines; (2) a greater
emphasis on wood product quality to address new competition generated by free
trade agreements; and (3) the use of bamboo intercropped with food crops to
produce pulp, livestock feed, and ethanol. Only 37,000 acres (15,000 ha) of
bamboo are currently planted, but plans include expansion to 148,000 acres
(60,000 ha) in the near future.
New industrial management approaches include (1) shifting to the use of
contractors to perform cultural practices and tree harvesting in order to
reduce costs; (2) using agroforestry practices on plantations to reduce
establishment costs and to induce farmers to grow plantations; (3) providing
small landowners with technical assistance under partnership arrangements that
pay for the annual plantation growth; (4) shifting to more mechanization in the
harvesting process; (5) using geographic information systems for planning; and
(6) establishing networks among companies and state and federal agencies for
forest fire prevention and control.
The Federal University of Vicosa and Colorado State University have a
Cooperative Agreement for Faculty Exchange and have ongoing environmental
studies sponsored, in part, by the U.S. Information Agency. Plantation forests
are part of these studies. Data exchanges with BFDP are being planned. For
additional information, see "Short rotation woody crop plantations in Brazil
and the United States" by D. R. Betters, L .L. Wright and L. Couto, Biomass and
Bioenergy 1(6):305-316 .
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Lynn Wright; BFDP
More than 30 groups in the United States expressed an interest in cost-shared
demonstration projects involving integrated systems of energy crops and energy
end uses. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory received the responses
following a Notice of Intent published in The Commerce Business Daily.
Several organizations with expertise in either conversion systems or crop
production indicated interest in connecting with groups providing the
complementary expertise. Nine of the responses, however, included both
production and conversion components. Sixteen organizations expressed interest
in utility applications and five proposed ethanol as the end product.
The next step is to identify funds that can support such work and issue a
request for proposals. Energy Crops Forum will publicize such a request
if and when it is issued. Anyone who wants to be notified as soon as a request
is issued should contact Ralph Overend at the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory, 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, CO 80401-3393
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Jane Turnbull; Electric Power Research Institute
In recognition of the continuing concerns about global climate change and U.S.
dependence on fossil fuels, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has
undertaken a project to define for its more than 600 member utilities
"Strategies for Achieving a Sustainable, Clean and Cost-Effective Biomass
Resource." Over the past two decades significant investments in research and
development on renewable energy resources have been made by the federal
government, by a number of state governments, and by U.S. electric utilities,
either independently or through their EPRI participation. However, most
renewable resources remain limited in terms of their availability or because of
their costs. Biomass is the one renewable resource that shows real promise in
making a major contribution to the nation's electric grid within the next two
decades.
At present, approximately 7000 MWs of electric power are generated from biomass,
mainly by lumber and paper companies using their industrial wastes or from
forest and agricultural residues. The adoption of integrated forest management
techniques in support of improved forest health and productivity will augment
supplies of these wastes. After the year 2000, however, the major contributions
to biomass energy resources are expected to come from dedicated, rapidly
growing woody and herbaceous crops.
The EPRI work is considering several sources of electric power feedstocks --
wood wastes and explicitly grown energy crops -- but will focus on energy
crops. First, estimates of land availability and suitability are being
evaluated. This assessment will include soil characteristics (e.g., nutrients
and water), climate, and geology/topography. These estimates will be correlated
with projections of crop productivities and production costs for different
parts of the country. Second, the economics of energy crops are being examined
in light of current agricultural commodity and land use policies in order to
assess how they would either complement or compete with conventional
agricultural commodities. Third, the criteria to ensure long-term
sustainability of production of biomass resources are being addressed through
the deliberations of recognized experts serving on a National Biofuels
Roundtable established by EPRI and the National Audubon Society. EPRI staff
will analyze the outcome of these three investigations. A report will be
prepared during the last quarter of 1992 that will provide U.S. utilities with
a basis for considering biomass as a resource for reliable electric power
generation.
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Wilma McNabb; BFDP
The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU) will host this
year's Biofuels Feedstock Development Program Subcontractors' Workshop on
November 10-13, 1992, in East Lansing, Michigan. Principal investigators,
program staff, cooperators, and guests will gather to exchange information,
present research results, and discuss progress to date on the development of
woody and herbaceous energy crops, environmental challenges in energy crop
development, and economic analyses. The agenda includes 2 days of technical
talks and an all-day trip to the Long Term Ecological Reserve at the Kellogg
Biological Station. The site features plantings of poplars and corn managed
under a variety of conditions. It will provide an excellent background for
discussions of environmental issues associated with energy crops as well as a
demonstration of the innovative research being conducted by MSU scientists.
Optional tours include MSU's Basic Energy Research Laboratory and campus sites
featuring poplar physiology and genetics work. For information, contact Wilma
McNabb at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, (865) 574-8029, or Kurt Pregetzer at
MSU, (517) 355-0091.
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Ashby, W. C., D. F. Bresnan, P.L. Roth, J.E. Preece, and C. A. Huetteman. 1992
Nursery establishment, phenology and growth of silver maple related to
provenance. Biomass and Bioenergy 3(1):1-7.
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Bloese, P., J. W. Hanover, and B. C. Bongarten. 1992. Inheritance of juvenile
traits and predicted gains from selection in black locust progeny tests in
Michigan and Georgia. pp. 97-107. In J. W. Hanover, K. Miller, and S. Plesko
(eds.), Black Locust: Biology, Culture and Utilization. Michigan State
University, East Lansing, Michigan.
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Bongarten, B. C. 1992. Genetic variation in black locust within its native
range. pp. 78-97. In J. W. Hanover, K. Miller, and S. Plesko (eds.), Black
Locust: Biology, Culture and Utilization. Michigan State University, East
Lansing, Michigan.
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Johnson, K. H. 1992. Nitrogen fertilization and growth of black locust. pp.
184-197. In J. W. Hanover, K. Miller, and S. Plesko (eds.), Black Locust:
Biology, Culture and Utilization. Michigan State University, East Lansing,
Michigan.
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Merkle, S. A. 1992. Somatic embryogenesis in black locust. pp. 136-146. In J.
W. Hanover, K. Miller, and S. Plesko (eds.), Black Locust: Biology, Culture and
Utilization. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
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Riemenschneider, D. E., B. G. McMahon, and M. E. Ostry. 1992. Use of selection
indices to increase tree height and to control damaging agents in 2-year-old
balsam poplar. Can. J. For. Res. 22:561-567.
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Sladden, S. E. and D. I. Bransby. 1992. Genetic variation in morphology, yield
and quality of switchgrass. pp. 175-179. In Proceedings of Forages '92:
Grassroots of Animal Agriculture. American Forage and Grassland Council.
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Sladden, S. E., D. I. Bransby, and G. E. Aiken. 1991. Biomass yield,
composition and production costs for eight switchgrass varieties in Alabama.
Biomass and Bioenergy 1(2):119-122.
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Tuskan, G. A. and T. R. Rensema. 1992. Clonal differences in biomass
characteristics, coppice ability and biomass prediction equations among four Populus
clones grown in eastern North Dakota. Can. J. For. Res. 22:348-354.
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Wolf, A. T., T. E. Burke, and J. G. Isebrands. 1991. Sampling schemes for
estimating total-tree photosynthesis in Populus clones -- a modeling
approach. pp. 130-139. In B. Payandeh (ed.), Proceedings of Forestry Futures.
FO18-17/1991E. Forestry Canada, Ontario.
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