Grantee Research Project Results

2005 Progress Report: Woody Biomass Crops for Bioremediating Hydrocarbons and Metals. II.

EPA Grant Number: R829479C018
Subproject: this is subproject number 018 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R829479
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research, Inc., Environmental Research and Technology Transfer Program
Center Director: Schumacher, Dorin
Title: Woody Biomass Crops for Bioremediating Hydrocarbons and Metals. II.
Investigators: Onokpise, Oghenekome U.
Institution: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2004 (Extended to December 31, 2005)
Project Period Covered by this Report: January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006
RFA: The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research, Inc., Environmental Research and Technology Transfer Program (2001) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Targeted Research , Hazardous Waste/Remediation

Objective:

This project is a follow-on to R829479C010. The objectives of this research project are to: (1) select eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr. Ex Marsh var. deltoides) clones promising for Southwide phytoremediation; (2) provide graduate training in plant biotechnology with emphasis on hardwood short rotation tree species; and (3) enhance undergraduate education in biotechnology emphasizing woody biomass crops.

Progress Summary:

Harvest and Planting of Cottonwood Clones in the Greenhouse

In February 2004 cuttings (ramets) were obtained from 50 cottonwood clones harvested at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC). These cuttings were planted in pots in a greenhouse space for a replication root development study. An average of four ramets per replication for each clone were planted. Irrigation of cuttings in a potting mix of coconut fiber, perlite, and peat moss, was undertaken by hand watering once a day depending on the amount of rain that fell during the establishment period. A granulated slow release fertilizer (Osmocote) – 15:10:10 was applied to pots 4 weeks after planting. Survival rates (number of ramets sprouting) were determined at 6 and 8 weeks after planting. Plant growth as measured by tree height was determined at 8 weeks after planting. Other observations included leaf discoloration, vigor of growth, and presence or absence of pests on the leaves of the new sprouts. These experiments were repeated in 2004/2005 and more samples are now being analyzed.

Significant Scientific Accomplishments

Only 3 out of the 50 clones had 100 percent survival rates (90-7, 109-7, and 11080-7), whereas the overall survival rate for all clones was 35 percent. Average tree height at 8 weeks was 32.19 inches (with a range of 12.0 inches to 46.6 inches). An interesting, but significant observation, was the uniformity of leaves suddenly turning brown, black, and then falling off the plant. This process often occurred immediately after heavy rains or a heavy irrigation. Plants usually were able to produce new shoots from existing lateral buds. These brown and dark leaves were collected in July and August and kept in cold storage awaiting plant tissue analysis. The results of the tissue analysis will enable us to determine whether the sudden darkening of leaves is related to any residual heavy metals present in the ramets obtained from the field. Preliminary results indicate that the pH of the growth medium may influence blackening of leaves. Further analysis is taking place.

Future Activities:

The future activities include: (1) additional plant tissue analysis of clones whose plants survived and have been grown in the greenhouse; (2) selection and recommendation of P. deltoids clones for phytoremediation; and (3) preparation of manuscripts for publication.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 4 publications for this subproject

Supplemental Keywords:

sustainable industry, waste, agricultural engineering, bioremediation, environmental engineering, new technology, innovative technology, bioaccumulation, biodegradation, bioenergy, bioengineering, biotechnology, phytoremediation, plant biotechnology,, Scientific Discipline, Waste, TREATMENT/CONTROL, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Sustainable Industry/Business, Treatment Technologies, Geochemistry, Technology, Chemicals, Biochemistry, New/Innovative technologies, Bioremediation, Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, bioengineering, biodegradation, woody biomass crops, biotechnology, plant biotechnology, remediation, hydrocarbons, bioacummulation, phytoremediation, bioenergy, heavy metals

Relevant Websites:

http://www.cpbr.org Exit

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

2003 Progress Report

2004

Final

Main Center Abstract and Reports:

R829479    The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research, Inc., Environmental Research and Technology Transfer Program

Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R829479C001 Plant Genes and Agrobacterium T-DNA Integration
R829479C002 Designing Promoters for Precision Targeting of Gene Expression
R829479C003 aka R829479C011 Biological Effects of Epoxy Fatty Acids
R829479C004 Negative Sense Viral Vectors for Improved Expression of Foreign Genes in Insects and Plants
R829479C005 Development of Novel Plastics From Agricultural Oils
R829479C006 Conversion of Paper Sludge to Ethanol
R829479C007 Enhanced Production of Biodegradable Plastics in Plants
R829479C008 Engineering Design of Stable Immobilized Enzymes for the Hydrolysis and Transesterification of Triglycerides
R829479C009 Discovery and Evaluation of SNP Variation in Resistance-Gene Analogs and Other Candidate Genes in Cotton
R829479C010 Woody Biomass Crops for Bioremediating Hydrocarbons and Metals
R829479C011 Biological Effects of Epoxy Fatty Acids
R829479C012 High Strength Degradable Plastics From Starch and Poly(lactic acid)
R829479C013 Development of Herbicide-Tolerant Energy and Biomass Crops
R829479C014 Identification of Receptors of Bacillus Thuringiensis Toxins in Midguts of the European Corn Borer
R829479C015 Coordinated Expression of Multiple Anti-Pest Proteins
R829479C016 A Novel Fermentation Process for Butyric Acid and Butanol Production from Plant Biomass
R829479C017 Molecular Improvement of an Environmentally Friendly Turfgrass
R829479C018 Woody Biomass Crops for Bioremediating Hydrocarbons and Metals. II.
R829479C019 Transgenic Plants for Bioremediation of Atrazine and Related Herbicides
R829479C020 Root Exudate Biostimulation for Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Phytoremediation
R829479C021 Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal Contamination by Metallohistins, a New Class of Plant Metal-Binding Proteins
R829479C022 Development of Herbicide-Tolerant Energy and Biomass Crops
R829479C023 A Novel Fermentation Process for Butyric Acid and Butanol Production from Plant Biomass
R829479C024 Development of Vectors for the Stoichiometric Accumulation of Multiple Proteins in Transgenic Crops
R829479C025 Chemical Induction of Disease Resistance in Trees
R829479C026 Development of Herbicide-Tolerant Hardwoods
R829479C027 Environmentally Superior Soybean Genome Development
R829479C028 Development of Efficient Methods for the Genetic Transformation of Willow and Cottonwood for Increased Remediation of Pollutants
R829479C029 Development of Tightly Regulated Ecdysone Receptor-Based Gene Switches for Use in Agriculture
R829479C030 Engineered Plant Virus Proteins for Biotechnology