Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | BBS/E/C/00813796 | |
| Title | Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) Willows and their diseases and pests: biodiversity and system studies | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Production of other biomass-derived fuels (incl. Production from wastes)) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given Rothamsted Research |
|
| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | BBSRC | |
| Start Date | 01 January 1998 | |
| End Date | 31 March 1999 | |
| Duration | 14 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £1 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | East of England | |
| Programme | BBSRC Energy Grants | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Rothamsted Research (100.000%) |
| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | Objectives not supplied | |
| 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 Phyllodectaspp. 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 trialsdatadetermine 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. | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 14/12/07 | |
