Willow Clones Research Articles

Variation of tolerance and accumulation to excess iron in 24 willow clones: Implications for phytoextraction

Willows (Salix spp.) are characterized by having large biomass, high tolerance to flooding, and strong metal accumulation ability, exhibiting great promise in the phytoremediation of iron (Fe) from contaminated sites. In this study, the variation of Fe tolerance and accumulation in 24 willow clones was investigated with two levels of Fe(II)-EDTA, 0.025 mM (control) and 2.0 mM (treatment) by hydroponic system for 21 days in a greenhouse. Visual symptoms of Fe toxicity were observed in the leaves and roots of Fe sensitive clones. Clonal comparisons showed a great variation in Fe tolerance, and the high levels of Fe reduced biomass productions of most clones. Tolerance indexes (TIs) varied about five-fold based on shoot dry biomass and about six-fold based on root dry biomass among clones. Clones also exhibited a wide variation in Fe concentrations (mg g–1 DW), ranged from 0.80 to 3.41 in leaves, from 5.40 to 10.51 in stems, and from 3.25 to 17.10 in roots under Fe treatments among clones. Large differences varied in the transport of Fe from roots to aerial parts among clones. The results highlighted the selection of Salix clones with high resistance to Fe toxicity and high Fe accumulation to improve phytoremediation efficacy.

Examining the Pulp Production Compatibility of Earlywood and Latewood in Willow (Salix excelsa) Clones in Terms of Fiber Morphology

Pulp production suitability of earlywood and latewood of Salix excelsa 64/12 and 84/28 clones that grow in the experimental sites of the Poplar and Fast Growing Forest Trees Research Institute of Turkey has been discussed as the result of a preliminary study based on their fiber dimensions and how they relate to each other. Fiber slides were prepared according to Franklin’s (1954) maceration method for the microscopic measurement of fiber dimensions defined as fiber length, fiber width, lumen width, and cell wall thickness. Felting power, elasticity, rigidity coefficient, Runkel classification, Muhlsteph ratio, and F-factor parameters that demonstrate the fiber dimensions and the relationship between them have been calculated. The effect of these variables on paper strength properties were evaluated, and fiber dimensions and the relationship between them were statistically analyzed. According to the fiber dimensions of S. excelsa 64/12 and 84/28 clones and the results of relationships such as Muhlsteph, Runkel, F-factor elasticity, it has been decided that clones can be used in paperboard and corrugated board production as well as in furnish when mixed with long fibers.

NaCl-induced changes in vacuolar H+-ATPase expression and vacuolar membrane lipid composition of two shrub willow clones differing in their response to salinity

It has been suggested that vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-H+-ATPase) plays a pivotal role in salt stress, and salt stress could modulate the expression and enzyme activity of V-H+-ATPase. In this work, salt modulation of V-H+-ATPase and tonoplast fatty acid compositions were evaluated in two shrub willow clones differing in salt tolerance after 3, 6 and 12 days of treatment. The results showed that the activity of V-H+-ATPase was regulated in tissue and clone specifically under NaCl stress. In the leaves of salt-tolerant clone 2345, treatment with 100 mM NaCl increased V-H+-ATPase activity first and then decreased it at day 12, while V-H+-ATPase activity was stimulated in the roots by NaCl during the treatment time. In contrast, V-H+-ATPase activity reached the highest value at day 3 in the leaves of salt-sensitive clone 2367 and then it decreased. Accumulation of Na+ in the vacuole was observed in parallel with increase in V-H+-ATPase activity. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis of V-H+-ATPase subunit E revealed that the protein content varied in parallel with V-H+-ATPase activity. Moreover, a decreased unsaturated fatty acids ratio to saturated ones together with an increased V-H+-ATPase activity was detected in the roots of salt-tolerant clone 2345 at day 12. Altogether, it suggested that the induction of V-H+-ATPase expression and increase in the saturation of tonoplast fatty acids as a homeostatic mechanism for shrub willow to cope with salt stress.

Salix viminalis L. - A highly effective plant in phytoextraction of elements

The aim of the study was to compare specimens of Salix viminalis L. able to grow in polluted mining sludge (A1) with specimens of the same willow clone growing in two unpolluted areas (A2 and A3). Plants from the polluted area were characterized by the highest accumulation of the majority of elements in their organs with a clear limitation of their uptake to roots and effective translocation to aboveground organs. Willows from the unpolluted areas were characterized by significantly higher biomass than the treated plants, as shown in the content of cellulose/holocellulose.The different chemical characteristics of the substrates influenced tree physiology, including the organic acids and phenolic compounds profile and/or content. The total content of organic acids in lateral roots was higher for S. viminalis L. grown in unpolluted areas, while for leaves the opposite situation was observed. However, their creation was significantly correlated with the content of the majority of elements in the organs of S. viminalis L. Enhanced synthesis of phenolic compounds in roots (besides quercetin) and in leaves (besides myricetin and quercetin) was confirmed in the polluted area, and correlated with metal content in plant organs. Resilient plants characterized not only by their survivability but also by their effective phytoextraction of toxic metals, have great potential for widespread practical application on highly polluted mining sludge and for reducing the associated threat to human health. The obtained results suggest that further investigation of these plants is necessary to determine the mechanism(s) responsible for their high survivability.

WOOD STRUCTURE, XYLEM FUNCTIONALITY AND GROWTH OF SIX SALIX CLONES IN TWO SITES WITH DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS IN ARGENTINA

ABSTRACT The aims of the study were to evaluate the effects of abiotic stress (plantation site) and genotype (clone) on the wood anatomy and density of six Salix (willow) clones at three ages (2, 7, and 12 years), and the impact of these effects on the theoretical xylem hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and growth. The clones studied were ´Ragonese 131-25 INTA´, ´Ragonese 131-27 INTA´ and “250-33” (originated from crosses between Salix babylonica and S. alba), ´Barrett 13-44 INTA´ and “NZ 26992” (originated from crosses between S. matsudana and S. alba), and the clone S. babylonica var. sacramenta ´Soveny Americano´. They were planted in two sites of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with different abiotic stress: i) the Paraná River Delta, a site with recurrent floods, and ii) a continental site with lower water availability and no floods. The vessel morphometry, wood density, Ks, and current annual increments at the three ages were determined. The clone x site interaction was the source of variation with greatest impact, being this significant for vessel diameter, Ks, wood density and growth. This means that, depending on the type of stress at the plantation site, the clones responded differently, showing differences in their structure, functionality, and wood production. The results showed that the clones Soveny Americano and 26992 were better suited to stress by flood, whereas clones 131-25, 131-27, 250-33 and 13-44 were better adapted to moderate drought conditions, with responses at the level of the xylem and wood density, and therefore at the level of wood production.

Effects of Propagule Phenology (Non-Dormant Versus Dormant) and Planting System (Vertical Versus Horizontal) on Growth Performance of Willow Clones Grown Under Different Weeding Regimes

To assess the effects of propagule phenology and planting system on growth performance of three willow clones grown under different weeding regimes, a field experiment was performed in central Sweden 2014–2016. Freshly harvested (non-dormant) and cold-stored (dormant) cuttings (planted vertically) and billets (planted horizontally) from willow clones Tordis, Tora, and Jorr were planted in weeded and in unweeded plots. Sprouting was significantly higher for willows grown from non-dormant (74%) than dormant (58%) propagules and for cuttings (84%) compared with billets (42%). Survival was higher for willows from non-dormant propagules in weeded (71%) compared with unweeded (63%) plots, willows from dormant propagules in weeded (72%) compared with unweeded (60%) plots, and for willows from cuttings (93%) compared with billets (39%). During 2014–2016, aboveground biomass production was significantly higher for willows from cuttings (11.71 t DW ha−1) than from billets (6.13 t DW ha−1), grown in weeded (15.29 t DW ha−1) than in unweeded (2.55 t DW ha−1) plots, and differed significantly among willow clones (11.48, 9.27, and 6.01 t DW ha−1 for Tordis, Tora, and Jorr, respectively). In this study, (i) planting with cold-stored and freshly harvested willow propagules was equally successful and therefore cold storage could be potentially avoided and replaced with planting of freshly harvested propagules in early spring; however, (ii) in terms of measured growth performance parameters, willows grown from cuttings performed better than grown from billets; and (iii) weed competition significantly reduced survival and aboveground biomass production, confirming that weed control during establishment of willow is crucial.

First-rotation growth and stand structure dynamics of tree species in organic and conventional short-rotation agroforestry systems

Short-rotation agroforestry systems can potentially maintain agricultural production and promote conservation of soil and biodiversity, especially if grown organically. Hereby, species-specific stand growth determines woody biomass yield and influences management decisions like planting density and harvest requirements. Studies of longer-term growth dynamics in Southern Germany are scarce and none analyzed differences between conventional and organic systems. In this study, four tree species (black alder, black locust, poplar clone Max 3, and willow clone Inger) were planted in an alley-cropping configuration in Southern Germany, grown under organic and conventional systems, and monitored from 2009 to 2012. Growth was assessed with stem base diameter, height, aboveground woody biomass, sprouting, and survival. The tree species did not show a uniform ranking in biometric variables and biomass over time. Four-year mean annual biomass increment (MAI) ranged from 7 to 10 t ha−1 a−1, with poplar and locust having the highest growth rates. Willow had the lowest MAI, as it had a low diameter growth paired with a low wood density, but it developed the highest number of shoots because of increased sprouting in the last year. Size inequality and skewness of the dominant stems increased for all species throughout the years suggesting asymmetric competition. Size inequality as well as mortality was greatest for black locust. Furthermore this was the only species, which developed a right skewed SBD distribution and the highest diameter size range. Size inequality was smallest for poplar and willow, with no or only minimal mortality. Alder was inbetween. For black locust and alder no difference in growth traits between organic and conventional systems appeared after four years. Organic poplar and willow stands performed better than conventional ones after the second year, leaving unclear whether this can be attributed to management or site effect.

Growth, physiological responses, and copper accumulation in seven willow species exposed to Cu-a hydroponic experiment.

Selecting plant species, especially woody species, that can tolerate and accumulate high levels of heavy metals is crucial for the purpose of phytoremediation. In the present study, seven willow species/clones were evaluated for their variations in copper (Cu) tolerance, Cu accumulation, and their relative physiological responses, when exposed to different doses of Cu (control, 15, and 120μM) in a hydroponic system for 40days. Upon Cu exposure, all tested willow species/clones (Salix, S.) remained relative normal growth, albeit with some visual evidence of Cu toxicity observed. Seven willow species remained relative high total biomass with tolerance index > 0.6 when being exposed to 120μM Cu, suggesting their high Cu tolerance. Exposure to 120μM Cu resulted in notable declines (16.3-76.1%) in photosynthesis in all willow species. Increases in the soluble sugar content and decreases in the soluble protein content in the leaves of five willow species (S. integra "Yizhibi",S. jiangsuensis "J172", S. matsudana 14, S. matsudana 25, S. matsudana 89) were found in the 120μM Cu treatment. The majority of Cu mainly accumulated in the roots, ranging from 1916 to 26,244mgkg-1 DW. Principal component analysis and membership function analysis suggested that S. matsudana 89 and S. matsudana 25 showed much higher biomass and accumulation ability than the other species. This suggests that these two willow clones could be used as potential candidates for the phytostabilization of Cu in contaminated soils.

In Vitro evaluation of salt tolerance of poplars and willows

The irrational anthropogenic influence on soils often leads to negative consequences, one of which is salinization. Among various types of salinity, chloride salinity has the greatest negative effect. Accumulatiоn of chlorine ions by plant cells causes disturbances in their metabolism, as a result of cell membrane damage. Such changes have a negative effect on the tree growth. Poplar and willow are energy trees with rapid growth and a wide range of adaptations to environmental conditions. These plants are not halophytes, but some genotypes are relatively salt-tolerant. Growing them in saline areas will have not only the ecological effect of soil remediation and importance for the urban horticulture, but can also bring economic profits, particularly in areas excluded from agricultural usage due to their salinity. The aim of the study was to analyze the salt tolerance of aspen (Populus tremula), hybrid poplar clone 'INRA 717-184' (P. tremula × P. alba) and willow clone 'Olympiyskiy vohon' (Salix alba × S. fragilis) under in vitro cultivation on the medium with sodium chloride added in concentrations 25 mM, 50 mM and 100 mM. General plant state, intensity of their growth (by the shoots’ length) and root formation (by number of roots) on the 10th, 30th and 60th day of cultivation were estimated. The results demonstrated that salt tolerance significantly varied in different genotypes. In hybrid poplar clone 'INRA 717-184', the intensity of growth activity was decreased after long-term cultivation under all investigated concentrations of sodium chloride. In aspen plants, a significant decrease of the intensity of shoots growth by 94.3 % compared to control was found only after two months of cultivation, then concentration of NaCl in media was 100 mM. The intensity of willow growth was not affected at any experimental treatment by sodium chloride. A statistically significant decrease of the intensity of root formation after the 1-st and 2-nd months of cultivation was shown only for aspen clones planted in the culture medium with 100 mM of sodium chloride added. In general, willow clones demonstrated higher intensity of root formation than poplar clones

Willow Short Rotation Coppice Trial in a Former Mining Area in Northern Spain: Effects of Clone, Fertilization and Planting Density on Yield after Five Years

A willow short rotation coppice (SRC) trial was conducted on former mining land in northern Spain over a period of five years, with the purpose of evaluating the effects on yield of two planting densities (9876 and 14,815 cuttings ha−1), three treatments (control, two levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer (NPK) plus weed control) and three willow clones (Björn, Inger, Olof). The area was subsoiled, ploughed, harrowed and fertilized with NPK before trial establishment. A randomized block design was applied, with three replications of each treatment in a total of 54 plots, each of an area of 400 m2. The effects of the interactions between the various factors on yield and other growth parameters were also studied. The clone factor significantly affected the number of shoots per stool (greatest for the Inger clone) and the Olof clone, which showed the lowest mortality rate and produced the largest trees and largest quantity of biomass. The combined application of fertilizer and herbicide also significantly increased the values of all response variables considered, except the mortality rate. The planting density did not significantly affect the response variables. Clone × treatment interactions were significant for the shoots per stool, height, diameter and biomass variables, and the Olof clone displayed the highest height and diameter growth and yield. The results obtained in the first rotation indicate that the Olof clone adapted well to the trial conditions and therefore would be appropriate for producing biomass in abandoned mine land in Asturias. These findings will help in the development of strategies for the establishment and management of SRC on marginal land.

Acclimation of cuttings from different willow genotypes to flooding depth level

Climate change will increase the frequency of extreme rain events, causing more flooding episodes. Willows are usually planted in marginal lands like flood prone areas. For willow plantations developed from rootless cuttings, the establishment phase is crucial, because the cuttings are still developing a shoot and root system and have a higher vulnerability to stress. A flooding episode during this early period may have a negative effect upon plants. We analyzed the responses to flooding of eight willow genotypes, representing important species from the economic and ecological point of view (Salix alba, S. matsudana, S. amygdaloides and S. matsudana × S. nigra hybrids). The treatments started when the plants were 2 months old and lasted for 3 weeks. They were identified as: Control (watered to field capacity); F10 (plants submerged 10 cm above soil surface) and F50 (plants submerged 50 cm above soil surface). The F50 treatment showed a greater growth reduction than the F10 treatment in most clones, either measured in height, diameter or total biomass. Both flooding treatments reduced significantly the root-to-shoot ratio compared to control plants. The F50 treatment increased the leaf nitrogen content and specific leaf area in all genotypes. Both treatments changed plant and leaf traits in different ways according to the depth of the floodwater. These changes may have lasting effects on growth recovery in the post-flooding period. Willow clones with a fast initial growth will be the best option to minimize growth reduction in areas prone to experience flooding episodes.

Оцінка ростових показників однорічних клонів тополі та верби на короткоротаційній плантації у Харківській області

Breeding and cultivation of poplar ( Populus sp.) and willow ( Salix sp.) was practiced by many researchers throughout the 20 th century. Mostly theirs interests were focused on the long-term period of plant cultivation (up to 20 years) with using the wood in timber or paper-pulp industry. Cultivation of poplar and willow under short rotations (up to 3–5 years) in Ukraine is underestimated. Therefore, for establishing high productive energy plantations, testing of varieties at the early stages is of particular interest. The purpose of our work was preliminary evaluation of growth rates at first-year trials of poplar and willow clones under short rotation cultivation. At the experimental plot in Kharkiv region, 10 poplar and 3 willow clones were planted in 2014. The plants were analyzed in October, after the end of growing season. Measurements of the survival rate (%), shoots’ diameter (cm), their height (m), the average number of shoots per plant, dry biomass weight (g), and general estimation of plants’ state were performed. According to the results, survival rates were differed in different clones and in poplar clones ‘Strilopodibna’, ‘Druzhba’ and ‘Gulliver’ were significantly higher (76–84 %) from the average levels. The lowest survival levels (48–51 %) were found in poplar clones ‘Konstanta’ ‘Roganska’ and willow ‘Pryberezhna’. The studied clones differed by growth rates also. It is worth to mention that poplar ‘Gulliver’, ‘Slava Ukrainy’, ‘Strilopodibna’, ‘Druzhba’ and willows ‘Olympiysky vogon’ and ‘Lisova pisnya’ showed the best growth activity at the first year. The ave­rage growth rates at the end of the first vegetation season were demonstrated by poplar ‘Novoberlinska-3’, ‘Toropogrytskogo’ and ‘Roganska’, while poplar ‘Konstanta’, ‘Lvivska’, ‘Nocturn’ and willow ‘Pryberezhna’ showed the lo­west growth rates.

Initial Field Growth Performance of Hybrid Willow (Salix Species) Clones

Initial Field Growth Performance of Hybrid Willow (Salix Species) Clones

Biomass Losses Caused by Teratosphaeria Leaf Disease in Eucalyptus globulus Short Rotation Forestry

This article presents the results of a study that examines the loss of biomass and energy, per hectare, caused by Teratosphaeria leaf disease (TLD) in Eucalyptus globulus short rotation forestry. The 95 Eucalyptus globulus taxa analyzed are from seeds of open pollinated families of both Spanish and Australian origin. Tree height and diameter were measured and the crown damage index (CDI) assessed at 27 months of age. Taxa that have a certain tolerance to the disease have been identified. The taxon identified as code 283 is the one that shows lower CDI (42%) and with an average volume that exceeded 0.017 m3 at 27 months of age. Biomass losses were determined for each fraction of dry biomass of the tree (leaves, branches, twigs and bark) based on CDI. These losses were translated into terms of energy lost per hectare, depending on the CDI. A comparison was then carried out between the productivity of Eucalyptus globulus exhibiting various levels of TLD severity and poplar and willow clones used for bioenergy in Europe. In our region, the results show that despite the losses of biomass associated with TLD, Eucalyptus globulus remains competitive as long as CDI values are lower than 56%.

A prototype for horizontal long cuttings planting in Short Rotation Coppice

Recently, some experiments carried out on Short Rotation Coppice have been focused on a new planting method consisting of burying long cuttings horizontally in substitution of conventional short cuttings planted vertically, with the intent of improving field capacity. The goal of this study is to evaluate the performance of a planter prototype set up by the DISAFA at the University of Turin, which is able to plant long cuttings following this new planting method. In detail, the planter prototype was tested simultaneously with a conventional cuttings planter (Rotor). The performance of each planter was evaluated using three poplar clones (Neva, Dvina, and Lena) and three willow clones (I.131–25, Levante, and SI64-017).An analysis of the data highlights that forward speed was greater for the prototype (2.0 km h−1) when compared to the Rotor planter (1.0 km h−1) but that no difference was found between the two methods in terms of quality with good rooting results (higher than 97.7%). The hourly fuel consumption determined during the tests was approximately of 7 L per hour for both planters. Differences in specific fuel consumption were, in this case, higher for the Rotor planter (548 g kWh) and lower for the Disafa prototype (507 g kWh). The Disafa prototype showed good performance compared to standard planters both in terms of field capacity, working quality, and fuel consumption. The use of this planter also allows for a reduction in the working time needed for the preparation of cuttings.

Combustion quality of poplar and willow clones grown as SRC at four sites in Brandenburg, Germany

The fuel quality was assessed for nine poplar clones (AF2, Androscoggin, Max1, Max3, Max4, Monviso, Muhle-Larsen, NE42, Weser6) and one willow clone (Inger) grown as short rotation coppice (SRC) on four sites in the Brandenburg area in Germany. Fuel quality was analysed in 3-year old shoots in terms of dry matter (DM) mass fraction, total ash mass fraction and concentration of 14 ash-related elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Si, Zn). Clone significantly affected DM and ash mass fraction and concentration of 11 of the 14 elements, site affected concentration of 7 elements, and clone and site interacted on DM, ash mass fraction and concentration of 7 elements. Among the poplar clones, Androscoggin and NE42 generally exhibited highest quality with higher DM mass fraction and lower concentrations of ash, Ca, K, P, Cd and Cu than other poplar clones. The willow clone had high DM mass fraction, low ash mass fraction and generally low concentrations of the major ash-forming elements compared to poplar clones. However, willow had significantly higher mean concentration of Cd, Mn and Zn than all poplar clones but with significant clone-site interactions and, on some sites, the concentrations were no higher in willow than in the poplar clones.Shoot diameter significantly affected fuel quality with thin shoots generally having higher ash mass fraction and element concentrations than thicker shoots. In conclusion, fuel quality of SRC biomass may be improved by selecting appropriate clones and by increasing shoot diameter at harvest.

Effects of Cutting Phenology (Non-dormant Versus Dormant) on Early Growth Performance of Three Willow Clones Grown Under Different Weed Treatments and Planting Dates

To assess the effects of cutting phenology on early growth performance of three willow clones grown under different weed treatments and planting dates, freshly harvested (non-dormant) and cold-stored (dormant) cuttings from willow clone Tora, Jorr, and Olof were planted in bucket experiment outdoors in central Sweden on five planting dates (May–June 2013) with or without a model weed (spring barley). Non-dormant cuttings sprouted faster than dormant cuttings when planted early in the season. For cuttings planted later in the season, bud sprouting was affected only by willow clone. Aboveground biomass production was affected by cutting phenology, planting date, clone, and weed treatment. When planted on May 3 and May 10, biomass produced from non-dormant and dormant cuttings did not differ, while willows grown from dormant cuttings produced 59% more aboveground biomass than willows grown from non-dormant cuttings when planted on May 24–June 16. Tora produced on average 12% more biomass than Jorr and Olof, and weed competition reduced aboveground biomass production on average with 36%. The ability of willow to suppress weeds (WSA) was 26 (non-dormant cuttings) and 12% (dormant cuttings) higher for willows planted on May 3 compared with WSA of willows grown from cuttings planted later in the season. The ability to tolerate competition from weeds (WT) was 51 and 52% lower for willows grown from non-dormant and dormant cuttings planted late in the season compared with WT of willows planted earlier in the season. We conclude that planting with long-term cold storage of willow cuttings can be replaced with planting freshly harvested cuttings when planting is performed in early season, and that weed competition strongly reduces biomass production. Weed control during the establishment phase is crucial in order to maximize willow biomass production.

Введення в культуру in vitro клонів тополь та верб перспективних для відновлюваної енергетики

Введення в культуру in vitro клонів тополь та верб перспективних для відновлюваної енергетики

Comparison of the growth of fast-growing poplar and willow in two sites of Central Kazakhstan

In temperate climatic conditions, plantations of poplar and willow species provide sustainable production of biomass. Short rotation coppice plantations on agricultural lands have a great potential to increase the amount of biomass available for the production of biofuels, bioenergy and bioproducts. We studied and measured the growth of poplar and willow clones in two experimental research sites in Batys and Astaninskiy in the steppe zone of Astana in northern Kazakhstan. We measured tree heights, stem diameters at breast height and crown diameter. The mean height of 6-years-old trees of the “Kazakhstanskiy” hybrid poplar was 4.03 m in the Batys site, which is 1.6 m less than the height of poplars from the Astaninskiy experimental site that were measured in autumn. The results of this study show different reactions of selected clones/cultivars of poplar and willow to climatic conditions of northern Kazakhstan as well as their usability for biomass production in plantations under limiting hydrological conditions.

Selection of optimal conversion path for willow biomass assisted by near infrared spectroscopy

Willow (Salix sp.) is one of the most common hardwood species suitable for short-rotation coppice. It can be converted to different products, including chemicals, fuels, fibers or furniture. It may also be used in agriculture and environmental engineering. Molecular composition of biomass and its physical properties highly influence effectiveness of its chemical, thermo-chemical or mechanical-chemical conversion. Therefore, it is challenging to provide biomass feedstock with optimized properties, best suited for further downstream conversion. The goal of this research was to establish a procedure for determination of the willow biomass optimal use cultivated in four different plantations in Poland. A special attention has been paid to the application of the near infrared spectroscopy for evaluation of biomass chemical composition and its physical properties. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) could be an alternative to standard analytical methods supporting the research and development of biomass production technologies. Partial least squares regression models for quantitative prediction of wood chemical components (lignin, cellulose, holocellulose, hemicellulose and extractives) and high heating values were developed. The residual prediction deviation (RPD) values confirm the applicability of chemometric models for screening in breeding programmes (for lignin, cellulose and extractives content) and for research in the case of high heating value. The analysis of NIR spectra highlighted several peculiarities in the chemical composition of the investigated willow clones. Finally, a knowledge-based expert system and a prototype automatic NIR system allowing the computation of a “suitability index” based on PLS models and dedicated to selection of optimal biomass conversion path, was developed.