Abstract Detail

Genomics / Proteomics

Unda, Faride [1], Skyba, Alex [2], Klapste, Jaroslav [2], Araujo, Francis [2], Hart, Foster [2], Guy, Robert [2], Douglas, Carl J. [3], Mansfield, Shawn [2].

Phenotypic and genotypic correlations of wood ultrastructure traits and lignin composition on Populus trichocarpa.

Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) inhabits a substantial geographic area in temperate and boreal regions across the northern hemisphere. P. trichocarpa is considered to be a primary candidate for breeding programs to produce woody biomass for bioenergy purposes in North America, both as a pure species, but also in hybrids (P. trichocarpa x P. deltoides). Genetic control of wood ultrastructure and cell wall composition were analyzed by estimating heritability along with phenotypic and genetic correlations employing 750, 4-year old trees planted in a common garden in Vancouver (BC). The trees corresponded to 339 genotypes originating from 136 provenances. Broad-sense heritability ranged between 0.53 for average stem density to 0.05 for fiber coarseness, illustrating the significant variation in the genetic control of key cell wall traits. Genetic and phenotypic correlations showed that poplar trees of higher density are also characterized by shorter fibers and greater microfibril angle (MFA), key traits for several industrial applications. Lignin extracted from trees with wider fibers was composed of higher amounts of syringyl-derived and lower amounts of guaiacyl-derived, monomers. The main goal of the project is the elucidation of candidate genes associated with the phenotypic traits based on the genetic relationships and, ultimately, improvement of lignocellulosic biofuel feedstock, by offering a means for marker-aided selection in breeding programs.

1 - University of British Columbia, Wood Science, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T1Z4, Canada
2 - University of British Columbia, Wood Science, 2424 Main Mall, Wood Science, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T1Z4, Canada
3 - University of British Columbia, Botany, 6270 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada

Keywords:
wood traits.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:45 PM
Number: PGP013
Abstract ID:1288
Candidate for Awards:Genetics Section Poster Award