Extending Juvenile Stages of Plants for Biofuels and Feedstock
Juvenile and adult grass tissue dramatically differs in anatomy, chemistry and ability to withstand stresses. Juvenile plants cannot flower and their leaves are better able to resist cold and drought. Moreover, they may be easier to process for biofuels and more digestible when used as feed. The genes controlling the transition from the juvenile to adult phase in plants are not fully understood. With new genetic information, the ability to arrest maturation could help ease biomass processing and boost yields, among other agronomic benefits.
UW–Madison researchers have developed methods for locking plants in a juvenile state by modifying genes related to maturation. The genes – GRMZM2G362718 or GRMZM2G096016 – have been analyzed by the researchers and shown to influence growth transition in corn. To alter plant development, these genes and their homologs could be knocked out or inhibited by small molecules or biologics. The process could involve additional genes known to affect juvenile to adult growth development.
- Delays growth timing
- Biomass processing is cheaper and faster with juvenile plants.
- New animal feed could be easier to digest.
- May improve disease resistance and yields
- Genetically modified plants for bioenergy production and feed crops
For current licensing status, please contact Emily Bauer at emily@warf.org or (608) 262-8638.