A collaboration between Mendel Biotechnology (a company with expertise in plant science and plant genomics) and BP (a leading company in alternative energy development) has been announced. The agreement aims to develop “tailored” cellulosic plant material that can be used as feedstocks for cost-effective processing into biofuels. Mendel Biotechnology is active in research on the genetic switches that control many aspects of plant growth and function. By modifying the activity of these key genes temporally and spatially, it may be possible to “obtain significant improvements in plant productivity”, and plants that posses characteristics that are desirable for biofuel processing.  Under this collaboration, Mendel Company plans to accelerate its established breeding program for perennial grass variety improvement.  Breeding stations will be set up in Midwestern and Southwestern regions of the United States.  In addition, there are also plans for establishing collaborations with Germany and China..