Research into how bioenergy crops, like poplar and willow, adapt to environmental stress is pivotal in the development of renewable sources of fuel. Increases in atmospheric carbon, severe weather patterns and impacts on water quality continue to affect crop growth and environmental conditions. These stresses alter metabolic pathways and gene expression in plants. In this study, we examined the effects of increased nitrogen on two key pathways in four different genotypes of shrub willow. Gene expression levels involving key regulatory genes in both the shikimate and phenylpropanoid pathways will be presented. The relationship between gene expression and metabolite profiles will also be evaluated. This relationship can lead to a better understanding of plant growth. Understanding the key genes responsible for the creation and allocation of carbon compounds, such as lignin, to the secondary cell wall could result in more targeted breeding strategies for bioenergy crops.

Biochemical changes in the shikimate and phenylpropanoid pathways in the bioenergy crop, shrub willow, due to nitrogen stress

2019 Spring National Meeting

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