Because of high yields after 2 years growth and high contents of organic soluble extractives, staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), silver maple (Acer saccarinum), and sassafras (Sassafras albidum) were selected from the original 14 extractive-rich woody species for Phase I tests of 15 chemicals representative of important modes of action and/or chemical structures, three application methods, and a range of concentrations. Several of the observed plant responses included chemically induced resinification of the wood, increased production of lateral and auxiliary shoots, and spurts of rapid growth. Phase 11 studies will follow promising Phase I leads with detailed testing of selected growth regulators. For each desirable plant species-growth response interaction, the most active chemical will be indentified, and optimum formulations and scheduling of applications will be established. In Phase 11, the overall goal is to develop an integrated short rotation forestry management strategy that maximizes economic yield through imposition of a regime of chemical control. The principal general objectives of this study are to (1) identify the effects of specific chemical growth regulators and their method of application to the three species to enhance the yield of extractives and total biomass, and (2) develop an integrated and species-specific production management plan and perform productionmarketing-consuniption system analyses that together lead to commercialization of the approach of Phase 11.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Short rotation trees and shrubs yield botanochemicals that in part can replace petrochemicals derived from petroleum, natural gas, or coal and offer economic and environmentally sound alternatives for the use of marginal land.
