Generation of Transgenic Plants of Oilseed Crop Camelina sativa

Here is the abstract of a research done by researchers at Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, USA.

Abstract: Camelina sativa is an alternative oilseed crop that can be used as a potential low-cost biofuel crop or a source of health promoting omega-3 fatty acids. Currently, the fatty acid composition of camelina does not uniquely fit any particular uses, thus limit its commercial value and large-scale production. In order to improve oil quality and other agronomic characters, we have developed an efficient and simple in planta method to generate transgenic camelina plants. The method included Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation of plants at early flowering stage along with a vacuum infiltration procedure. We used a fluorescent protein (DsRed) as a visual selection marker, which allowed us to conveniently screen mature transgenic seeds from a large number of untransformed seeds. Using this method, over 1% of transgenic seeds can be obtained. Genetic analysis revealed that most of transgenic plants contain a single copy of transgene. In addition, we also demonstrated that transgenic camelina seeds produced novel hydroxy fatty acids by transforming a castor fatty acid hydroxylase. In conclusion, our results provide a rapid means to genetically improve agronomic characters of camelina, including fatty acid profiles of its seed oils. Camelina may serve as a potential industrial crop to produce novel biotechnology products.

Process of Bio-Diesel Production from Camelina Oil

Here is the results of a project conducted by researchers at Crops Research Centre, Oak Park, Ireland. The aim of the project was to examine the potential of alternative vegetable oils, oil wastes or animal fats as bio-diesel feedstocks, and the performance of road vehicles using bio-diesel blends made from these materials. Three feedstock materials were considered: waste cooking oil from the catering industry, Camelina oil, and beef tallow.

They have showed that the oil yield from Camelina sativa is similar to that of rape, but it requires lower fertiliser and pesticide inputs, which leads to a lower cost and a more favourable energy ratio.

They have also provided the low-temperature properties of blends of waste cooking oil ester and mineral diesel( refer the following table).The ester yields for camelina oil were higher than for waste cooking oil. The fuel properties of the methyl ester were also within specifications with the exception of cold filter plug point (CFPP).

Camelina ester %	Mineral diesel %	Cloud point oC	CFPP oC	Pour point oC
100	0	+3	-3	-4
80	20	+3	-7	-6
60	40	+3	-9	-9
40	60	+3	-11	-12
20	80	+3	-13	<-18
0	100	+3	-15	<-21

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Hybrid Miscanthus For Future Biomass Energy Research ?

Because Arkansas is “prime real estate” for bioenergy crops, the recent announcement of a joint U.S. Department of Energy/University of Arkansas research effort is most welcome, says Chuck West, who along with University of Arkansas-Monticello researchers, is evaluating production systems for switchgrass, several sorghum varieties and cottonwood as cellulosic feedstock.

West’s research group is aiming for “a sustainable ligno-cellulosic feedstock production practice for energy crops.” The group’s four objectives are:

• weed control and establishment practices for switchgrass.
• diseases potentially limiting switchgrass and sorghum production.
• information on the management, productivity and quality of sweet sorghum for sugar and biomass.
• hybrid, giant miscanthus for future biomass research.

Hybrid miscanthus is a plant native to Asia. It grows very tall — “12 feet tall, easily” — and densely with a lot of stems and leaves. In other states, hybrid miscanthus has produced two or three times more biomass per acre than switchgrass. It’s already being cultivated as a biomass crop in Europe.

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