Biotech Updates

GM False Flax as a Potential Oilseed Crop

October 5, 2007

Camelina or false flax is an alternative oilseed crop that can be used as a potential low-cost biofuel crop because of its lower production cost, compared to rapeseed, corn and soybean. It can also be used as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids found to be essential for normal cardiovascular functions. Currently, the fatty acid composition of camelina does not uniquely fit any particular uses, thus limit its commercial value and large-scale production. By using a novel transformation system, scientists from Montana State University modified the fatty acid profile of false flax seeds. The transgenic camelina seeds produced novel hydroxy fatty acids by transforming a castor fatty acid hydroxylase. Results showed that camelina is an excellent candidate crop species to produce many biotechnology products including unusual fatty acids.

Read the abstract at http://www.springerlink.com/content/j782807866pxx702/?p=104e4b6ac085480c9abf8ec8fb9ba3ac&pi=1 or the full paper at http://www.springerlink.com/content/j782807866pxx702/fulltext.html