The bio-energy group has 15 years experience in tree biology and currently 10 people active in the field of lignin biosynthesis. They created genetic maps for poplar, which can be used to unravel the genetics of economically relevant traits, such as yield and wood quality. In addition, poplar trees with decreased lignin content have been generated. Using transcript and metabolite profiling, new genes involved in lignin and cell wall biosynthesis are identified. Altogether, the research in this group can make significant contributions to provide the fundamental knowledge that is necessary to design cell walls of trees that are easier to convert to bio-ethanol.