Some interesting information going on behind the scenes for the humble Jatropha plant. Seems like genetic improvements may not be far away, and could contribute to a 100% increase in the yield. With MBTs large acreage, this could further improve the fundamentals once Jatropha gets US EPA approval for biofuels. Hopefully an annoucement is not far off.
From the October 2010 Issue of Biodiesel Magazine:
Jatropha genome successfully sequenced
The genetic code for the promising biofuel feedstock, jatropha, just got much clearer. Energy crop developer SG Biofuels, with the help of a biotechnology provider Life Technologies used a genome sequencing device called the Solid 4.0 system to sequence the jatropha genome. SG Biofuels will add the genome to its well-established germplasm library in an effort to further develop a high quality reference genome. The results of the Life Technologies partnership along with the current library will help the San Diego-based company to more quickly identify key traits including enhanced fruit yield, pest resistance, soil adaptation, improved flowering capabilities, uniformity and harvesting.
The ultimate goal for SG Biofuels, however, is to develop its Jmax Jatropha Optimization platform, which features a proprietary cultivar of jatropha yielding 100 percent more than existing varieties, increasing profitability to $1,000 more per hectare. Those interested in participating in the Jmax program will also have access to the germplasm library and its plant science team to help growers and breeders optimize selection for specific regional conditions, including climate and soil conditions.
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