Loblolly pine is the most commonly planted tree species in America – accounting for about 75 percent of all seedlings planted each year – and will be the focus of one of 44 DNA sequencing projects the DOE's Joint Genome Institute will undertake in the coming year. "Its ability to efficiently convert CO2 into biomass and its widespread use as a plantation tree have also made Loblolly a cost-effective feedstock for cellulosic biofuel production and a promising tool in efforts to curb greenhouse gas levels through carbon sequestration," said Eddy Rubin, director of the Institute.

Because of the pine's enormous genome, the project will begin with a targeted effort to understand the structure of the pine genome. Led by Daniel Peterson of Mississippi State University, the project is intended to zero in on genes that can be used for molecular breeding programs to improve Loblolly as a biomass feedstock, carbon sequestration tool, and source of renewable, high-quality raw materials for lumber and pulp fiber.