Rutgers scientists have introduced a pine gene for ammonium assimilation (glutamine synthetase [GS]) into poplar resulting in superior field performance including increased height and volume growth compared with non-transgenic controls. The GS transgenics can contribute significantly to strategies for increasing energy biomass production in woody perennials. Resulting trees have superior field performance including enhanced height and volume growth when compared to non-transgenic controls. Our approach to engineering NUE can contribute significantly to strategies for increasing energy biomass production in woody perennials. Market Applications: Fast-rotation poplar forestry also to other hardwood and perennial species important to bioenergy and general horticulture. Other potential markets include enhanced biomass-to-bioenergy and carbon sequestration (capture of greenhouse gases) as related to strategies to combat climate change.
Increased energy biomass production.