Research in Larry Smart's Lab
The research in my lab focuses on the genetics and physiology of willows, as well as drought tolerance and stomatal physiology. We work toward the deployment of elite willow varieties as a dedicated energy crop and for phytoremediation.

Breeding, selection, testing, and commercialization of shrub willow for bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts

Since 1994, we have been...

  • building a large and diverse collection of native and non-native shrub willows
  • improving the techniques for controlled pollination of shrub willow and propagation of willow seedlings
  • generating hundred's of new families of shrub willow
  • selecting and testing new varieties for improved yield, resistance to disease and pests, and suitability for a range of climates

Ecology and genetics of shrub willows

We have been developing and using molecular marker techniques to study the genetic diversity of native and naturalized shrub willow species. Willow species can be very difficult to identify confidently due to their natural propensity to hybridization. DNA sequencing and microsatellite analysis can confirm species identification and the constiuency of hybrids.

Breeding and selection of shrub willows and identification of microbial interactions for phytoremediation (cleaning contaminated soil and water)

Shrub willows are particularly well suited for phytoremediation.