SGB confirms genetic diversity of jatropha is comparable to corn
Photo: SG Biofuels
March 20, 2013
BY SG Biofuels
Energy crop company SGB Inc. (SG Biofuels) has identified more than 2 million individual genetic markers (SNPs) in its Jatropha curcas germplasm collection, confirming the nonfood energy crop has a genetic density comparable to corn and other domesticated crops, and validating the ability to drive significant yield and performance gains through molecular breeding.
Through the use of new genetic technologies, SGB’s scientists have revealed that the company’s germplasm collection can be divided into a number of distinct heterotic clades, or genetically related groupings of plants. In contrast to previous studies, these findings confirm significant genetic diversity in jatropha while enabling SGB breeders to maximize hybrid vigor by identifying the most genetically diverse parental lines to use for the creation of elite hybrid seeds. Hybrid vigor, also known as heterosis, results in higher yields, improved plant health and increased stress tolerance. SGB’s first-generation hybrids have outperformed commercial jatropha planting materials at 13 hybrid trial sites located across Brazil, India and Central America.
“Once thought to lack genetic diversity, our molecular studies have confirmed that Jatropha curcas is genetically diverse and well-suited for significant yield improvements,” said Eric Mathur, chief technologist at SGB. “Based on these results, the performance of our first-generation hybrids merely scratches the surface of the underlying genetic potential of jatropha; not only in terms of continued yield improvements, but also through reduction of input costs and improvement of the harvest index.”
Advertisement
SGB’s molecular and genetic technologies have advanced to the point where millions of markers can be analyzed from a large number of plants within a short period of time. SGB has established a next-generation DNA sequencing pipeline and is embarking on a large-scale jatropha resequencing program designed to associate valuable agronomic traits and plant attributes with genome wide markers. The resulting dense genetic maps will dramatically accelerate the rate of improvement of SGB’s elite hybrid cultivars.
In another technological achievement, SGB scientists have developed a state-of-the-art, high throughput genotyping pipeline for digital allelic confirmation. This genotyping platform enables rapid and precise DNA barcoding of parental and hybrid lines with digital unique identifiers. These technologies, combined with advanced genomic selection studies and tissue culture serve as the foundation for SGB’s aggressive molecular breeding program.
Advertisement
Related Stories
China’s exports of used cooking oil (UCO) reached a record high in 2024 but fell sharply in December after the Chinese government eliminated the 13% export tax rebate for UCO, according to a report filed with the USDA.
Ash Creek Renewables, a portfolio company of Tailwater Capital LLC, on March 20 announced it has secured exclusive licensing rights from Montana State University for a new high-performance camelina seed variety.
Clean Fuels Alliance America on March 18 submitted comments supporting USDA on its Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks Interim Rule and incorporation of USDA FD-CIC.
Japan-based Cosmo Oil Co. Ltd. on March 6 announced that construction is complete on a SAF located within the company’s existing Sakai refinery. The facility, operated by Saffaire Sky Energy LLC, is expected to begin supplying SAF in April.
Preliminary agenda announced for 2025 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo
By BBI International
March 17, 2025
Ethanol Producer Magazine announced this week the preliminary agenda for the 2025 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) taking place June 9-11, 2025 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
Upcoming Events
