Events

Hybrid Poplar for Biomass and Bioenergy - Symposium

November 5th, 2009

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

at

Institute for Advanced Learning
and Research

Southside and Southwest Virginia are investing heavily in the development of sustainable bioenergy and biomaterials industries. Development of these industries has a great potential to strengthen and diversify the economies of these areas. Achieving a sustainable biomass-based industry is contingent on the development of perennial energy crops for Southside and Southwest Virginia, specifically a mixture of both woody and herbaceous crops.

Poplars and their hybrids are the fastest growing trees in the temperate zone and are widely considered to be the premier candidate for woody bioenergy feedstock production (please note, these are not the same as tulip- or yellow-poplar). Although widely grown successfully in many areas of North America, hybrid poplar is just beginning to be bred, tested and selected for growing in Southside and Southwest Virginia.

In this first year of testing in Virginia, we are in the process of identifying elite poplar hybrid varieties possessing superior characteristics and wood quality for bioenergy production across Virginia. Be one of the first to learn about this exciting research and how it applies to you!

Registration Information

For more information, please visit
www.cnr.vt.edu/forestupdate
or contact Jennifer Gagnon
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 540/231-6391