From a Cornell Chronicle article by Sarah Thompson, 7/31/2012.
Larry Smart, associate professor, Department of Horticulture, has partnered with Christopher D. Town, professor at the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in Rockville, Md., to study the genetics of superior growth in hybrids of shrub willow, a fast-growing, perennial cool-climate woody plant. …
“We think the results of this research will take years off the cycle time needed to find the best growing shrub willow hybrids and with consistent increases in yield each cycle, we will rapidly advance commercialization of this emerging bioenergy crop,” Smart said. …
“We’re at a key juncture in New York, where we’re deciding whether or not to extract more fossil fuels locally. At the same time, we need to explore renewable energy options that will stimulate the local economy and not contribute to global climate change,” Smart said.
Visit Willowpedia – Willow Energy Crop Information Resource at Cornell University.