TITLE:
A Review of Paulownia Biotechnology: A Short Rotation, Fast Growing Multipurpose Bioenergy Tree
AUTHORS:
Niraj Kumarmangalam Yadav, Brajesh Nanda Vaidya, Kyle Henderson, Jennifer Frost Lee, Whitley Marshay Stewart, Sadanand Arun Dhekney, Nirmal Joshee
KEYWORDS:
Micropropagation; Biofuel; Plant Growth Regulator; Regeneration; Somatic Embryogenesis; Transformation; Antioxidant Potential
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.4 No.11,
November
13,
2013
ABSTRACT: Paulownia is a
genus of fast-growing and multipurpose tree species that is native to China. Due to
their rapid growth and value in the timber market, many Paulownia species are cultivated in several temperate zones
worldwide. Economic importance of Paulownia is increasing as new uses and related products are developed. It is also
suitable as a lignocellulosic feedstock crop for the bioethanol industry in the
Southeastern USA. A number of Paulownia species are valuable sources of secondary metabolites including flavonoids with
high antioxidant activities. A high demand for planting material in domestic
and international markets for afforestation and bioenergy production has
necessitated the development of efficient micropropagation protocols for rapid and mass
propagation of Paulownia. Over the past several decades,
research on Paulownia species has been conducted to develop
micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis and genetic transformation
protocols for use in agroforestry and reforestation programs. Given the
economic importance and current and potential future uses of Paulownia, this paper reviews the
development of biotechnological approaches for plant propagation and genetic
improvement, and antioxidant potential of secondary metabolites occurring in
species.