NRRI Hybrid Poplar Program
The NRRI (Natural Resource Research Institute) Hybrid Poplar Research Program has been selecting, breeding, and establishing field trials of poplar families and varieties since 1996. The program currently has over 500 varieties archived in a nursery germplasm bank from 1,672 varieties and 115 families in 27 field tests at 9 sites in Minnesota, as well as several trials in other states through cooperators. To our knowledge, this collection is among the largest in the United States, and perhaps the world. It represents a unique and invaluable resource to allow further genetic improvement and development of new markets in an emerging bioeconomy.
Our breeding research involves two species – our native cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and the European black poplar (P. nigra). Combining traits of P. deltoides with those of P. nigra makes it possible to increase disease resistance and rooting of hardwood cuttings over what might be possible with pure-species genotypes.
Funding
Over its 24 year history, the program has been supported by DOE Sun Grant Regional Biomass Feedstock Development Program, DOE Idaho National Laboratory, USDA NIFA, the State of Minnesota, the Laurentian Energy Authority, and the forest industry.
Collaboration
The NRRI Hybrid Poplar Research Team is actively involved in research collaborations around the world. Hybrid poplar varieties created by NRRI are used in research projects that include phytoremediation, agroforestry practices (windbreaks and silvopasture), bioplastics, and urban reforestation. Please reach out to us if you have an idea for a future project.