There are two main scientific objectives of BSBEC-BioMASS which are, briefly, to optimise yield and to optimise the accessibility of the carbon in the lignocellulose for breakdown by enzymes.
The key contact for the overall research programme is Angela Karp
The research activities are organised into two Workstreams which match the two main objectives and a number of generic and integrating activities:
Workstream 1: Optimising biomass yield
In Workstream 1, substantial effort will be placed on increasing biomass yield though identification and manipulation of key processes involved in dry matter production and partitioning.
Plants accumulate C during growth via transformation of incident solar radiation into chemical potential energy distributed throughout the plant. Three main steps are involved: (i) interception of solar radiation by the leaf canopy, (ii) conversion of the intercepted radiant energy by photosynthesis to chemical potential energy (expressed as dry matter), and (iii) partitioning of dry matter amongst the harvested and non-harvested plant parts. We will focus on plant processes relevant to the efficient energy capture by the canopy, the production of photosynthetic assimilate and it’s partitioning into storage and structural components in the above and below ground parts of the plant. This will be pursued by investigating whether:
- Radiation interception for C fixation may be maximised by improving thermal sensitivity and cold tolerance for early canopy expansion
- Carbon fixation may be maximised by altering crop morphology/architecture
- Sustainable yields can be achieved by selecting for an optimal allocation ratio of aboveand below-ground biomass
Key contacts for this part of the research programme are:
- Willow trials and trait measurements (Ian Shield)
- Miscanthus trials and trait measurements (John Clifton-Brown)
Workstream 2: Optimising accessible carbon for conversion
Workstream 2 will focus on optimising the biomass composition and the accessibility of C in cell walls for processing to biofuels. Two main approaches are being pursued:
- We will screen a representative subset of our diverse collection of willows and Miscanthus genotypes for variation in composition using high throughput and low throughput methodologies and assess how composition affects processibility
- We will use a gene discovery route, in which candidates genes, known to be important in other model crops will be tested for their importance in Miscanthus and willow. Combined with the task above, we will also map compositional traits in key mapping populations as a way to identify genomic regions carrying genes of importance for lignocellulosic breakdown
Key contacts for this part of the research programme are
- Composition studies (both crops) (Richard Murphy, Iain Donnison)
- Cell wall studies, gene discovery routes (Peter Shewry, Paul Dupree)
Underpinning activities
To achieve our goals we will exploit our unique germplasm and genetic mapping population resources. To facilitate data integration and minimise costs we will concentrate on key populations already available. In addition, a new (“dedicated”) trial (in each crop) has been planted to provide intensive non-destructive and destructive measurements.
We will also capitalise on our genetics/genomics advances in the crops and on the expertise and resources of our industrial partners to fast-track developments in crop improvement.
Key contacts for this part of the research programme are
- Willow germplasm (Ian Shield)
- Miscanthus germplasm (John Clifton-Brown)
- Willow genetics and genomics (Steve Hanley)
- Miscanthus genetics and genomics (Iain Donnison)
Building up a collective understanding of the processes
One of the greatest challenges, however, is to ensure that yield improvements do not significantly increase inputs, particularly of N fertilisers; otherwise the advantages of the energy and GHG emissions savings will be compromised. This requires distinct approaches from those taken to improve major arable crops, where N response has played a key role. In particular it requires the development of process-based models which help us to understand and predict carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in the crop and the continuous assessment of crop improvements against energy and GHG impacts along the whole fuel chain.
To achieve this, all field and laboratory experiments will be designed to provide data that will deliver parameters and output variables important for the building and sensitivity analysis of process-based crop models and data will be fed into LCA and sustainability analyses. This approach to crop delivery is very different from traditional crop breeding, and should provide a generic model for sustainable crop improvement.
Key contacts for this part of the research programme are
- Modelling (Goetz Richter)
- Bioinformatics (Chris Rawlings
BSBEC BioMASS will link with efforts in other Programmes in the BSBEC Centre as a whole (and elsewhere, as appropriate) to improve cell walls and conversion processes.