Prospects Arising from Developments in Plant Biotechnology and Biorefining

8 Prospects Arising from Developments in Plant Biotechnology and Biorefining 

Conventional breeding has developed oilseed rape (Brassica napus) cultivars that can accumulate long-chain fatty acids such as C20 1 and C22 l, however the ability to accumulate short-chain fatty acids is limited. Similarly the ability to accumulate industrially useful hydroxy fatty acids and epoxy fatty acids is also limited with conventional breeding methods. Due to its close relationship to the crucifer Arabidopsis and its associated characterised genome, and the relative ease with which genes can be inserted into Brassica species, oilseed rape is seen as a key target species for genetic manipulation. 

Plant oil metabolic pathways have also been studied to identify enzymes that may be of industrial interest in modifying or manipulating plant oils. Study of 

However, the complexity of plant biochemical systems and the lack of knowledge relating to their interactions means that significant further work is still required in most cases to commercialise such developments (Smallwood, 2006). Similar problems affect the development of plants with enhanced levels of desirable secondary metabolites, where knowledge of routes of synthesis, substrates and rate-limiting processes is limited. In addition, complex biochemical interactions may be involved in their formation. 

To try and enhance yields of speciality chemicals, attention has focused on use of plant trichomes, the glands directly producing or accumulating oils and chemicals that are typically used to protect plants from predation. Genetic and enzymic mapping of such cells has started to identify opportunities to enhance their productivity. Examples include enhancement of alkaloid biosynthesis in opium poppy trichomes (Ounaroon el al., 2003). 

---