Biotechnology is Imperative for Biofuel Crops

Biotechnology is invaluable in the production of more efficient biofuel crops, according to an article published by the journal Plant Science. Author Jonathan Gressel of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel argued that plants have not been domesticated for modern biofuel production. He said that the quickest, most efficient and often the only way to convert plants to biofuel feedstocks is through genetic modification.

Bioethanol and biobutanol can be sourced from cultivated lignocellulosic crops and wastes by acid and heat treatment. Through biotechnology, the lignin content of these crops can be reduced while increasing cellulose biosynthesis. Genetic modification can also be applied in reducing the production of harmful compounds such as methyl bromide in oilseed rape and carcinogens in Jatropha oil.

Gressel further said that there are no apparent impact study requirements when undomesticated biofuel crops are grown, yet these plants must pass stringent testing should they be rendered less toxic and more efficient through transgenic technology.

The abstract of the paper is available at  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TBH-4R7NPW3-1&_user=6533655&_coverDate=03%2F31%2F2008&_rdoc=3&_fmt=summary&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%235143%232008%23998259996%23680904%23FLA%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=5143&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=14&_acct=C000070094&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=6533655&md5=363641ddaa1f1251765d7a19253946d2