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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Plant Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #241686
Title: Genetic Modification in Dedicated Bioenergy Crops and Strategies for Gene Confinement

Author
item KAUSCH, ALBERT - University Of Rhode Island
item HAGUE, JOEL - University Of Rhode Island
item Oliver, Melvin
item LI, YI - University Of Connecticut
item DANIEL, HENRY - University Of Central Florida
item MASCIA, PETER - Ceres, Inc
item STEWART, NEAL - University Of Tennessee

Submitted to: Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/11/2009
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Genetic modification of dedicated bioenergy crops is in its infancy; however, there are numerous advantages to the use of these tools to improve crops used for biofuels. Potential improved traits through genetic engineering (GE) include herbicide resistance, pest, drought, cold and salt tolerance, lower inputs, compositional alterations, addition of cellulases and other biofuels specific traits such as increased biomass yields and increased photosynthetic efficiencies. To achieve these goals on an agricultural scale these improvements must meet regulatory standards for release into the environment. In most cases, these criteria will probably require gene confinement strategies to prevent gene flow into wild and non-transgenic populations. Here, we consider the options for prevention or mitigation of gene flow in genetically modified (GM) biofuels crops.