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Agricultural Research Service United States Department of Agriculture
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Research Project: Biotechnological Enhancement of Energy Crops

Location: Genomics and Gene Discovery

Project Number: 5325-21000-013-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Aug 15, 2004
End Date: Aug 14, 2009

Objective:
Develop the necessary range of knowledge and technologies to use plants to produce chemical feedstocks and fuels with more renewable and more enviromentally acceptable methods than current sources such as petrochemicals. Focus initially on the cereal crops (especially wheat and rice) and other grasses and non-grass species with potential for biofuel development. Coordinate with other ARS and non-ARS projects in specific approaches to biofuel research and development.

Approach:
To achieve these objectives, an integrated plant molecular, genomics, bioinformatics, plant transformation approach will be developed for the production of biofuels from crops. Specifically: 1) Determine parameters underlying ectopic expression of polysaccharides and proteins in plant leaf and stem tissue, to include stability of expressed products and plant response; 2) Determine potential for altering plant architecture and cell wall structure for altered functions such as more efficient light gathering, storage capacity, and increased efficiency of post-harvest product processing as for straw/fiber conversion; 3) Modify polysaccharide production to enhance ethanol production, to include both existing and novel polymer structures; 4) Develop a repertoire of tissue and development specific promoters, initially concentrating on promoters efficient in the monocotyledonous plants. Formerly 5325-21000-009-00D (8/04).

   

 
Project Team
Anderson, Olin
Vogel, John
Tobias, Christian
Gu, Yong
 
Project Annual Reports
  FY 2008
  FY 2007
  FY 2006
  FY 2005
 
Publications
   Publications
 
Related National Programs
  Bioenergy & Energy Alternatives (307)
 
Related Projects
   Resequencing Diverse Genotypes of Brachypodium Distachyon, a Tractable Model Grass Species
   Linkage Analysis Appropriate for Comparative Genome Analysis and Trait Selection in Switchgrass
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   Development of Grass Genomic Resources for Crop Improvement and Biofuel Research
   Marker Development and Genetic Analysis of Agronomic Traits in Switchgrass
   Analysis and Modeling of Segregation and Linkage Relationships in Switchgrass
 
 
Last Modified: 04/22/2009
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