University of Illinois Researchers Develop Oil-Producing GM Sugarcane

In Illinois, a research team under the supervision of University of Illinois researchers changed the metabolism of sugarcane to transform sugars into oils or lipids, which can then be used to produce biodiesel. Sugarcane usually contains 0.05% of oil. In less than a year, researchers have successfully genetically modified sugarcane with 20 times more oil production.

Currently, the GM oil-cane plants generate 12% of oil, but the team aims to obtain 20%. The research team has also introduced additional benefits to the oil cane plants including more efficient photosynthesis and better cold tolerance. This resulted in increased oil and biomass production.

In their study, researchers evaluated the technology, land area, and the expenses needed to convert oil-cane biomass into biodiesel within different oil production situations. This data was then compared against soybean and standard sugarcane, which can be used to produce ethanol. A major benefit provided by oil-cane plants is that the plant's remaining sugars can be changed into ethanol, offering two sources of fuel in one plant.

The study also revealed that if oil-cane plants that contain 20% of oil are cultivated on under-used land in southeastern US, over two-thirds of the nation's use of jet fuel and diesel can possibly be replaced.