Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Graduate and undergraduate students, interns from Central Georgia Technical School, High School students, forestry personnel, bioenergy and bioeconomy enthusiasts,business man, landscaping agencies andextension agents Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two M.S. students completed their research thesis on Paulownia research and advanced to PhD program at University of Georgia, Athens. Richa Bajaj: Optimization of In Vitro Propagation and Genetic Transformation Protocols in Paulownia elongata. Graduated Fall 2018. Lubana Shahin: Evaluation of Paulownia elongata and P fortunei tissues for medicinal tea. Graduated SP 2019 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Peer reviewed research articles Presenting research in conferences and meetings What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is the final report
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
All the objectives completed.
Publications
- Type:
Book Chapters
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
1. Bajaj, R, Irvin, Vaidya, BN, Shahin, L, and Joshee, N. 2020. Optimization of micropropagation and genetic transformation protocols for Paulownia elongata: A short rotation fast growing bioenergy tree. Methods in Molecular Biology ⿿Biofuels and Biodiesel⿿ (ed. C. Basu). Springer. (In Press).
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Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Graduate students at FVSU, intership to Central Georgia Technical School students, growers, farmers, extension agents Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Students were trained in various microscopic techniques (light,fluorescent, and scanning electron microscopy). To understand the structure of wood anatomy of the plant material was studies and staining protocols were optimized. Students are being trained to present their research in various national professional meetings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through Ag-Expo, entertaining visitors, publishing peer reviewed journal articles, poster presentation in professional meetings What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plan to complete the project by identifying commercial applications of generated information through this project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
One of the MS graduate students (Tanganique Baker) completed her MS research thesis conducting research on the role of Paulownia biochar as a soil addendum in the greenhouse studies. She also optimized clearing and maceration protocols to study Paulownia wood whic is essential to study wood fibers for various commercial applications. We have optimized various steps for nanocellulose extraction from Paulownia wood.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Chen, H, Liu, N, Qu, X, Joshee, N, Liu, S. 2017. The effect of hot water pretreatment on the heavy metal adsorption capacity of acid insoluble lignin from Paulownia elongata. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology 93(4): 1105-1112. DOI 10.1002/jctb.5469
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Chaires, M, Gupta, D, Joshee, N, Cooper, Kerry K, and Basu, C. 2017. RNA-seq Analysis of the salt stress induced transcripts in fast growing bioenergy tree, Paulownia elongata. J Plant Interaction 12(1):128136.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Joshee, N. 2017. Ten years of collaborative Paulownia research: Does it qualify as a bioenergy feedstock? International Conference on Biomass Conversion and Renewable Materials 2017. SUNY ESF, Syracuse, NY August 14-17 (Plenary Talk).
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Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Farmers, growers, forest oweners Students, researchers/scientists, foresters, bee keepers, horticulturists, various industries Changes/Problems:As we have new Transmission electron microscope installed recently, I would like to conduct wood study using TEM in addition of scanning electron microscopy. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Ting, He, a graduate student visited Dr. Sadanand A Dhekney, Associate Professor, University of Wyoming for a month to learn transformation and related techniques. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Peer reviewed articles Posters and oral presentations Attending visitors at 'Paulownia Demonstration Plot' at Fort Valley State Universities What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. develop more products and revenue generation streams for end useds 2. Study the role of by product lignin in water purification 3. Study nanocellulose and nanocrystal recovery potential of Paulownia wood 4. Conduct more research on bio char
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1.b. Wood development study: Maceration protocols were developed and varioustypes of cells are being identified. Main goal of this objective to find out fiber length and potential use in paper and pulp industry. Objective 2.b. Instead of EST library development, transcriptome analysis of winter and spring wood was done to identify cellulose synthesis genes and their regulation. Objective 3.b.Hot water extraction of summer-harvested Paulownia elongata in a pilot-scale reactor of 1.84 m3 was investigated at 160 C for 2.5 h. Monomeric sugars, carboxylic acids, and xylo-oligomers were the major components in the hot water extract. Objective 4.d. .Paulownia wood flour (PWF), a by-product of milling lumber, was employed as a biofiller and blended with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) via extrusion. We have completed making a series of bioplastics..
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Yan, J, Joshee, N, and Liu, S. 2016. Utilization of hardwood in biorefinery: A kinetic interpretation of pilot-scale hot-water pretreatment of Paulownia elongata woodchips. J. Biobased Materials and Bioenergy 10:339-348.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2026
Citation:
Ting He, BN Vaidya, ZD. Perry, P Parajuli, N Joshee. 2016. Paulownia as a Medicinal Tree: Traditional Uses and Current Advances. European J Medicinal Plants 14(1):1-15.
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Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Graduate and undergraduate students, biocomposite and chemical industries, bioenergy enterprises, horticultural companies, extension agents Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Zach Perry (graduate student) visited Dr. Umesh K Reddy's lab to learn 'Transcriptome Analysis" during summer 2015. Zach Perry presented a poster: Perry, Z, Ting He, Brajesh N Vaidya, Nirmal Joshee. 2015. Optimization of micropropagation protocols for fast growing multipurpose bioenergy tree Paulownia. Southern Crossroads: Progress In Biomass Production, Processing and Use. February 2-4, 2015, Auburn University, Auburn, AL. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through peer reviewed research publications and posters in the regional conference. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Following aspects will be either completed or initiated: Soil analysis by extracting soil samples from Paulownia Demonstration plot and comparing it with the first year soil samples to assess carbon enrichment. Plant transformation by using 'Transcription regulator genes' that can affect wood formation
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1. Paulownia growth and soil carbon sequestration analysis (NJ, CWW) This year (2015) ten trees were cut as seven year old trees to study biomass accumulation. This experiment helped calculate carbon sequestration potential of Paulownia treein Central Georgia climate on a land that has not received fertilizer and irrigation. We also conducted studies to record photosynthetic potential of Paulownia leaves using CI-340 Handheld Photosynthesis System. Analysis of chlorophyll content is also complete. Leaf size estimation by measuring a hundred leaves is also complete. Objective 3. Determine the Product Potentials for Paulownia Wood Biochars were produced from tree trunks and branches from 6-year-old Paulownia trees (PE) grown at the Paulownia Demonstration Plot at Fort Valley State University, using a top-lit updraft (TLUD) gasifier stove. Based on these results it appears that the addition of certain biochars would improve water retention and increase overall plant growth in sand-based root zones. This study was specifically carried out to study growth performance of creeping bent grass that is used in golf grounds. 3.A. Determine selected physical, thermal and flow properties of Paulownia wood and particulates for wood pellet industry (AKM) One graduate student is working on studying physical parameters of Paulownia elongata wood of seven year old wood. We completed cellulose crystallinity index study recently. Objective 4. Production of high quality Paulownia wood flour for wood plastic composite industry Wood plastic biocomposite study is complete and we initiated studied on biochar potential of Paulownia wood even though it was not part of any objective in the funded proposal. Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies ofPaulownia based biochar with is complete.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Basu, C, Cooper, K, Gupta, D, and Joshee, N. 2015. Genome wide analysis of heat stress inducible genes in Paulownia elongata. Plant Genomics Congress USA, Crowne Plaza St. Louis, USA, 14-15 Sep 2015.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Steven F. Vaughn, F. Dan Dinelli, Brent Tisserat, Nirmal Joshee, Martha M. Vaughan, Steven C. Peterson. 2015. Creeping bentgrass growth in sand-based root zones with or without biochar. Scientia Horticulturae 197: 592-596.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Basu, C, N. Joshee, T. Gazelian, B. N. Vaidya, A. Saditkit, H. Hemmati, and Z. D Perry. 2015. Cross-species PCR and field studies on Paulownia elongata: A potential bioenergy crop. Bioethanol 2:12-23.
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Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: This project is geared towards developing a multipurpose agriculture system that ensures steady income for farmers and growers besides primary interest- biofuel. Our preliminary studies involved students, timber growers, bee keepers, landscapers, and people interested in developing animal feed using Paulownia leaves. Our future studies will involve all these stakeholders. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Twograduate students have been hired to conduct researchon EST library and association mapping and micropropagation and genetic transformation as their MS thesis research, respectively. Thesestudents will be trained in Paulownia biotechnology and will write peer reviewed articles in reputed journals. They will be encouraged to present their research in professional meetings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Major emphasis will be to work on objective 4. All other objectives that we have begun research onthis year will be completed to a good extent.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1. Paulownia growth and soil carbon sequestration analysis (NJ, CWW) 1.A. Field planting of Paulownia and growth studies (NJ): Field planting was achieved at Fort Valley State University. Due to extreme heat and erratic weather there was mortality. Dead plants have been replaced in a timely manner. 1.B. Wood development (NJ) 1.C. Carbon sequestration under Paulownia (JW, NJ): Soil sample collection was done from new planting site and analysis is in progress. Objective 2: Developing transformation protocols and analysis of desirable genes (CB, NJ) 2.A. In vitro micro-propagation and genetic transformation (NJ): Micropropagation protocols have been established for Paulownia elongata.A reproducible, high regeneration protocols for various explants- leaf, petiole, nodal segment, and shoot tip have been developed.Agrobacterium mediatedtransformation protocols are being optimized.Study will involve three bacterial strains and various explant combinations to find out most effective protocol. 2.B. Develop a publicly available EST library (CB): Paulownia Plant Growth: In small 5 x 5 inch pots, 12 paulownia seeds were planted per pot in soil with Osmocote ™ fertilizer beads.In order to help improve germination conditions the pots were kept in a plant growth chamber with a constant temperature of 25OC with 12 h photoperiod. Paulownia seeds germinated and started sprouting after four weeks. The pots were then transferred to a greenhouse where the room temperature was also controlled at 25OC.RNA extraction from Paulownia leaves: Different protocols were performed from six month old paulownia leavestoextractRNA. Our optimizedRNA extraction protocol giveshigh yields of 500 to 800 ng/ ultotal RNA. The most successful protocol to date used for the extraction of RNA was the RNA purification kit (Zymo Research, USA). Zymo Research kit offers a quick RNA extraction with Trizol which quickly involves the purification of the RNA with DNAse treatment. PCR to check for DNA contamination in RNA: In order to check that there was no DNA contamination in the RNA sample, a PCR was performedwith Paulownia cellulose synthase gene specific primers. Absence of any successful PCR amplification negates the possibility of DNA contamination in the RNA samples. A 177 bp putative cellulose synthase gene was cloned previously in Dr. Basu’s lab. This To design Paulownia cellulose gene specific primers already cloned gene sequence was used. 2.C. Comparative analysis of cellulose synthase genes in Paulownia (CB, NJ): Leaf samples from 300 trees in the field is in progress. Objective 3. Determine the Product Potentials for Paulownia Wood (AKM, SL) 3.A. Determine selected physical, thermal and flow properties of Paulownia wood and particulates for wood pellet industry (AKM) 3. B. Chemical compositions (sugar type and content, lignin content, extractive content) Wood Chips Preparation: Paulownia wood chips have been obtained from FVSU. All chips were air-dried, homogenized in a single batch to avoid differences in composition among aliquots and stored. Moisture content was determined before running the following experiment. Wood Meals Chemical Analysis: Wood samples will be ground to a fine powder by using a Wiley Mill with a 40 mesh screen followed by drying at 105 ºC for 8 to 16 hrs. Extractives, acid-insoluble lignin and acid soluble lignin in wood will be determined by standard TAPPI methods: T280 pm-99, T222 om-02 and UM 250, respectively. 3. C. Extraction (kinetics or change of extracted chemicals with time and temperature): Hot Water Extraction: Extracts will be prepared by treating debarked Paulownia chips with aqueous solution in a 4.7-liter M/K digester with a centrifugal pump for hot water circulation. The maximum temperature will be varied from 140, to 165 °C. The wood to liquor (water) ratio will be around 1:8. It normally takes 20-25min to heat wood chips to the desired temperature. Hydrolysate samples are taken every 20min after desired temperature. We will measure the volume of samples to calibrate error causing by the change of total volume in the digester. Solid residues will be recovered as soon as the hot water extraction was finished and an aliquot is weighed and put in oven to test the moisture content. 3.D. Paulownia as a crop for biochemicals and bioenergy (chemicals with market potential) (SL): Preliminary experiments with hot-water extraction indicate that high yields of acetic acid and methanol alongside carbohydrates are found in the Paulownia extraction liquor. Acetic acid can be purified as a commodity chemical, which is currently more valuable than ethanol for polymer (acetates) production. Methanol can be purified as a biofuel, for biodiesel production. Xylose is the dominant sugarobtainable from the extraction liquor, providing opportunities for a number ofcommodity products. Glucose, galactose,mannose and arabinose are also found in the extraction liquor. Hot water extraction was carried out in a 1.84 m3 digester at 160 ? for 2 hours. Samples were taken every 20 min. 3.E. Conversion of the whole or hot-water extracted woody biomass to sugars and bioproducts: Sugar Analysis of Wood Hydrolysates: Monosaccharides: Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence (HSQC)is being used to quantify the molar concentration of sugars resulting from wood hydrolysis. TMA (trimethylamine hydrochloride), TSP (3-(trimethylsilyl) propionic-2,2,3,3-d4 acid), and Glucosamine will be used as the internal standards. Oligosaccharides: Wood extracts will be subjected 4 mol/L sulfuric acid hydrolysis in a high pressure sealed glass tube. HSQC NMR will be employed to quantify the sugars. Acetic Acid and Furfural Analysis: The contents of acetic acid and furfuralare being determined by following 1H NMR method which is same as the sugar analysis. Both the pre-hydrolysis liquor and the post acid hydrolysates will be analyzed for the acetic acid content. Objective 4. Production of high quality Paulownia wood flour for wood plastic composite industry (BT, NJ): We have just initiated harvesting trees to collect wood material, dry it, and then process it through chipper and grinder to obtain desired mesd size wood flour. 4. A. Develop methodology to procure wood flour economically (BT) 4. B. Paulownia wood flour as bio-filler with various thermoplastic resins (BT) 4. C. Ascertain the durability of Paulownia-based WPC under different weathering regimes (BT) 4. D. Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies on Paulownia based WPCs (NJ)
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
3. N. K. Yadav, B. N. Vaidya, K. Henderson, J. F. Lee, W. M. Stewart, S. A. Dhekney, and N. Joshee. 2013. A Review of Paulownia Biotechnology: A Short Rotation, Fast Growing Multipurpose Bioenergy Tree. American J Plant Science 4:2070-2082.
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