Genomic Mechanisms of Carbon Allocation and Partitioning in Poplar
Principal Investigator |
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Matias Kirst |
University of Florida |
Co-Investigators |
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Gary Peter |
University of Florida |
Tim Martin |
University of Florida |
Agency: DOE |
|
3 years |
Project Overview: Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have increased from insignificant levels in the pre-industrial era to over twenty-four billion tons in 2003 (DOE 2004). Carbon sequestration by the “enhancement of the uptake of CO2 by plants” is considered by the Department of Energy (DOE) as a desirable tool for the reduction of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (DOE 2004). This effort is part of a global strategy for reduction of greenhouse gases, formalized by the Kyoto Protocol (UN, 1997). The protocol states that the parties shall “elaborate policies and measures such as protection and enhancement of sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases” and “research on, and…development…of carbon dioxide sequestration technologies” (UN, 1997). The complete genome sequence of Populus trichocarpa, generated by DOE’s Joint Genome Institute (JGI) (Wullschleger et al. 2002; Brunner et al. 2004), created a genomic tool essential for the enhancement of CO2 sequestration through biotechnology.
The efficiency of carbon sequestration may be increased by modification of carbon allocation (i.e. carbon movement into sink tissues, such as roots) and partitioning to favor more recalcitrant chemical components (i.e. lignin). Genetic modification or traditional breeding can enhance the efficiency of carbon sequestration, but knowledge of molecular mechanisms that control carbon allocation and partitioning is essential. We propose to uncover the molecular basis of quantitative variation in carbon allocation and partitioning through quantitative genetic analysis of a population of Populus deltoides and Populus trichocarpa hybrids in combination with the genome sequence and new genomic tools. Our hypothesis is that a significant component of the variation for these traits arises as a consequence of genetic variation that modifies gene expression, and is influenced by environmental cues.