The Poplar Files

1 April 2010

A team of researchers, led by VIB group leader Wout Boerjan, has developed a type of poplar with a modified wood composition that makes them more suitable for the production of second-generation bio-fuels. Currently, the VIB scientists are running a field trial with the modified poplars, to assess their suitability as a source for bio-ethanol. In this background document (pdf 2MB), VIB provides an introduction to this experiment, together with a short overview of the history of the field trial.

News

Initial field test results GM poplars: bioethanol yield almost doubled
The yield of bio-ethanol from the wood of GM poplar trees from a VIB field trial is up to 81% higher than non-modified poplars VIB-UGent researcher Wout Boerjan presented these results at the international conference "Bioenergy Trees in Nancy, France.
VIB-UGent poplar expert Wout Boerjan named world’s Forest Biotechnologist of the Year
Wout Boerjan was named Forest Biotechnologist of the Year. IFB is recognizing Boerjan’s work. The jury also gave special consideration to the field proof with genetically modified poplars.
Minister Ceysens plants first transgene poplar in Flanders
This afternoon, Flanders’ Minister of Economy, Enterprise, Science, Innovation and Foreign Trade, Patricia Ceysens, planted the first genetically modified poplar in Flanders.
VIB GM poplar field gets authorized after all
After an initial negative decision in May 2008, VIB recently received an authorisation to field test its genetically modified poplar trees in Belgium. VIB had appealed the negative decision at the Council of State, which suspended the refusal.
Council of State Suspends Refusal of VIB Poplar Field Trial
The Council of State has consigned the federal ministers Magnette and Onkelinx’ decision to refuse a permit for a field trial with genetically modified poplars to the wastepaper basket.
VIB Poplar Research Gains International Recognition
VIB gains international recognition for its poplar research program thanks to a considerable financial injection of 1.6 million dollar from Stanford University, the world-renowned American research university.
VIB appeals denial of “poplar field test” approval to Council of State
The Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, VIB, submitted a request to the Council of State on July 23, 2008, to suspend and quash the decision of Ministers Magnette and Onkelinx denying its approval for a field test of genetically modified poplars.
VIB Field Trial Request Refused
VIB has responded in disbelief to the rejection by the federal government of its request to carry out a field trial with genetically modified poplars. The government has thus disregarded the authoritative judgement of the Biosafety Advisory Council.
Poplar DNA code cracked − new possibilities for sustainable energy
Scientists has succeeded in unraveling the first tree genome − that of the poplar. Moreover, their research indicates that the poplar has about 45,000 genes

The Poplar Files

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