Award details

Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) Willows and their diseases and pests: biodiversity and system studies

Reference	BBS/E/C/00813796
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Mikhail Semenov
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Rothamsted Research
Department	Rothamsted Research Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	349,034
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/01/1998
End date	31/03/1999
Duration	15 months

Abstract

This project aims to provide the information needed to underpin the development of sustainable and profitable systems for growing SRC willows and realising the potential of this environmentally benign energy crop. Originally primarily a gene bank, the National Willows Collection (NWC) has, in recent years, assumed a more crucial role as a research tool for all the projects in this Programme (PU 230), and also in PU 238 RO 823342, PU 229, ROs 813330, 813331 and 813730. The development of SRC energy in general, and breeding strategies in particular, are constrained by confused nomenclature of willow clones, difficulties in identifying particular clones, and the paucity of readily accessible information on the many factors influencing productivity related to the hundreds of clones of potential value within the genus Salix. We aim to create a data-base incorporating DNA profiles, taxonomic features and information on phenology, productivity and pest, disease, climate, and edaphic tolerance, using new, recent and historic data from the Collection, and from other relevant sources. 2 Data and genotypes from the NWC provide important resources for research on the population dynamics and population genetics of diseases and pests underpinning the development of sustainable strategies for pest and disease control. Molecular genetics of willow rust pathotypes and susceptibilities of willow clones to these pathotypes are investigated. Molecular genetics of populations of Phyllodecta spp. are studied in collaboration with PU 238. Plantations consisting of mixed clones of SRC willows have been shown to provide a sound basis for a sustainable strategy for integrated management of willow rust disease. Responses of Phyllodecta spp. to willow clonal mixtures are studied to investigate the potential of clonal mixtures to provide the basis for integrated pest and disease management strategies. 3 The NWC is an invaluable resource for studies of willow growth, integrated crop management, root function and nutrient uptake, as well as the willow breeding partnership (RO 813357). Information is also compiled on taxonomy, phenology, form and frost and drought hardiness. A programme of productivity trials compares new, elite clones of SRC willows from IACR-Long Ashton, Svalof-Weibull (Sweden) and Saxhytte (Denmark). Modelling of willow growth in relation to climatic conditions provides estimates of the risks associated with willow production throughout the UK. Clone trials data determine eligibility for Woodland Planting Grant, allowing informed grower choice for reliable, long-term, high yielding plantings. Computer models of SRC energy crops will quantify the many variables (e.g. climate: management) affecting yield. A small-scale (30KWe) gasifier powering a combined heat and power system is used to investigate conversion efficiencies and the effects of different species, chipping and storage systems. The gasifier work has identified constraints to extended operation, and shown the developments needed (in collaboration with industrial partners) for a commercially viable system.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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