Abstract: Methods are provided for producing biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) with desired geometry, molecular mass, mechanical and/or physical-chemical properties from glycerol, an inexpensive carbon source and byproduct of the biodiesel industry. Microorganisms capable of converting carbon to PHA can be used to convert biodiesel-glycerol to poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) or other monomer or copolymer PHAs via fermentation. The microorganisms are cultured in a medium comprising glycerol as a primary carbon source and one or more low molecular mass organic acids as a secondary carbon source. Biomass can be harvested from the culture medium and crude PHA extracted and purified, thereby recovering purified PHA with the desired property. After PHA isolation, a nucleating agent can be added to improve certain physical-chemical properties of the PHA, e.g., crystallization temperature, to enhance performance of the PHA during injection molding.

Abstract: A distinct female cultivar of Salix viminalis×(Salix sachalinensis×Salix miyabeana) named ‘Preble’, characterized by rapid stem growth producing 29% more woody biomass than the average of three current production cultivars (Salix×dasyclados ‘SV1’ (unpatented), Salix sachalinensis ‘SX61’ (unpatented), and Salix miyabeana ‘SX64’ (unpatented)) when grown in the same field for the same length of time (three growing seasons after coppice) in two different trials in Constableville, N.Y. and Middlebury, Vt. ‘Preble’ can be planted from dormant stem cuttings, produces multiple stems after coppice and the stem biomass can be harvested when the plant is dormant. In the spring following harvest, the plant will re-sprout very vigorously, producing new stems that can be harvested repeatedly after two to four years of growth. ‘Preble’ displays a low incidence of rust disease and is not damaged by potato leafhoppers.