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Title: Highlights of the International Symposium on Plant Lipids, 18th ISPL 2008, Bordeaux July 20–25th, 2008

Author
item LESSIRE, RENE - U OF SEGALEN BORDEAUX, FR
item BEISSON, FRED - MSU, EAST LANSING, MI
item CHAPMAN, KENT - UNT, DENTON, TX
item Dyer, John
item EASTMOND, PETER - U OF WARWICK, UK

Submitted to: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2008
Publication Date: 12/1/2008
Citation: Lessire, R., Beisson, F., Chapman, K., Dyer, J.M., Eastmond, P. (2008). Highlights of the International Symposium on Plant Lipids, 18th ISPL 2008, Bordeaux July 20–25th, 2008. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology 110:1190-1194.

Interpretive Summary: The oils derived from plants are important agricultural commodities that are used in many applications including food, feed, fuel, and industrial chemicals. In addition, plant lipids play many essential roles in the life cycle of the plant and make important contributions to overall health and productivity of crops. As such, developing a better understanding of plant lipid metabolism is essential for maintaining a secure and stable supply of food. The field of plant lipid research is very active, and the International Plant Lipid Symposium represents the premier venue for scientists to discuss the latest findings in scientific research. This proceedings article provides a summary of the major findings discussed at this meeting. The meeting covered all aspects of plant lipid biology including basic science research, as well as crop engineering for increased oil production.

Technical Abstract: Plant lipids are of considerable interest in economic sectors such as agriculture, food, health and the cosmetics industry. In addition, the sector of renewable energies is showing increasing interest in the field of plant lipids. Our society is highly dependent on raw fossil materials whose reserves are not inexhaustible and whose prices are continually rising. To mitigate the impact of this situation, it has become a priority to find new sources of alternative and renewable energy. Oils from oleaginous field crops like sunflower and rape possess properties close to those of fossil oils, and it is therefore reasonably probable that alternative raw materials may be produced from vegetable oils. Diester is the first example, and the production of other materials like biolubricants, solvents, and inks is completely attainable. The ISPL 2008 is the continuation of a series of meetings which gathers the community of researchers specialized in plant lipids. The first symposium was organized in 1974 in Norwich, Great Britain, by T. Galliard over two and half days, and gathered 90 participants including 25 internationally renowned scientists. In 2008, the meeting gathered 270 researchers from 33 countries, demonstrating that the field of lipid research is very active and continues to increase. Sixty nine oral communications and 136 posters have been presented during the 12 sessions of the symposium which have covered all the different aspects of the Plant Lipids field. A summary of the main findings from this meeting is presented here.