In one of the largest experiments of its kind, thousands of cottonwood cuttings planted in common gardens in British Columbia, Oregon and California will help scientists determine which strains are best suited for cellulosic ethanol production. This study, led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, builds upon what scientists have for years observed about genetic variation among trees in natural populations. In 2013, scientists will extract cores from the stems to evaluate differences in ethanol production. Information gained from this study may lead to the identification of genetic traits that produce high-yielding bioenergy crops and a renewable supply of biomass to help meet transportation fuel needs. Researchers noted that the use of three separate sites allows them to distinguish the genetic effects from the environmental effects in the composition and properties of the biomass. This research was funded by the Department of Energy Office of Biological and Environmental Research within the Office of Science.
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