Quantifying Variations in the Biomass Recalcitrance of Douglas Fir

To assist in the development of an economically effective industry for the production of biofuels from forestry residues, the study in this presentation aims to identify and characterize variations between individual Douglas fir trees. Characterizing these variations is intended to provide a foundation for further research into the nature of biomass recalcitrance and to determine the feasibility of potential tree improvement programs aimed at reducing recalcitrance of D. fir. Discussed is a method devised to screen highly recalcitrant woody biomass samples for properties related to biomass  recalcitrance.