An association genetics approach was used to examine individual genes and alleles at the loci responsible for complex traits controlling lignocellulosic biosynthesis in black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa). Recent interest in poplars as a source of renewable energy, combined with the vast genomic resources available, has enabled further examination of their genetic diversity.

Forty candidate genes were resequenced in a panel of 15 unrelated individuals to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Eight hundred and seventy‐six SNPs were successfully genotyped in a clonally replicated population (448 clones). The association population (average of 2.4 ramets per clone) was phenotyped using pyrolysis molecular beam mass spectrometry. Both single‐marker and haplotype‐based association tests were implemented to identify associations for composite traits representing lignin content, syringyl : guaiacyl ratio and C6 sugars.

Twenty‐seven highly significant, unique, single‐marker associations (false discovery rate Q < 0.10) were identified across 40 candidate genes in three composite traits. Twenty‐three significant haplotypes within 11 genes were discovered in two composite traits.

Given the rapid decay of within‐gene linkage disequilibrium and the high coverage of amplicons across each gene, it is likely that the numerous polymorphisms identified are in close proximity to the causative SNPs and the haplotype associations reflect information present in the associations between markers.