The genus Populus includes diverse, fast growing forest trees native to the northern hemisphere. These species are recognized for their key ecological roles, and as a renewable source of pulp and timber. Recently, Populus is being developed as a biofuels feedstock. Notably, Populus trichocarpa is the first tree species with a sequenced genome. Genomics technologies are being used to better understand the biology of Populus, and promise to accelerate breeding efforts.
The goal of the Populus Center is to ultimately provide a one-stop repository of genomics and genetics resources and information to support biological research and genomics-assisted breeding in Populus. You will find here information about the biology, breeding, genomics, and biofuels potential of Populus. This is a community-driven effort and we welcome your input!
To support development of genomics-assisted breeding in Populus for biofuels applications, additional needs include:
- Development of a germplasm database for Populus.
- Establishment of a genomics portal with integrated databases and bioinformatics tools to advance molecular and ecological research
- Extending SNP marker discovery to additional Populus species that are of economic and ecological importance
- Evaluation of marker-trait associations in breeding and natural hybrid pedigrees
- Development of web-based educational and extension tools for marker-aided selection, breeding and sustainability
