D1 Oils and KeyGene to collaborate on molecular genetics for jatropha
September 4, 2007
News release posted Oct. 1, 2007, at 1:50 p.m. CDT
D1 Oils plc, the UK-based global producer of biodiesel, has signed an agreement with Keygene NV of the Netherlands, one of the global leaders in the science of genetic fingerprinting, to pursue molecular genetics research in Jatropha curcas. Jatropha is an oilseed tree that grows in tropical and sub-tropical regions and produces high yields of inedible vegetable oil that can be refined into high-quality biodiesel. The two year agreement provides D1 with exclusive rights on applied contract research and molecular services carried out by KeyGene on Jatropha.
KeyGene's genetic fingerprinting technology enables the identification of different Jatropha cultivars through genetic markers similar to commercial bar codes. The technology has the potential to increase significantly the efficiency of D1's breeding programme to develop high-yielding Jatropha cultivars. D1 will act as the exclusive supplier of selected, high-yielding Jatropha seeds and seedlings to D1-BP Fuel Crops, the Company's new planting joint venture with BP.
Commenting on the agreement, Henk Joos, D1's Plant Science and Agronomy Director, said: "KeyGene's technology is highly suitable for undertaking molecular work on a new crop, since no prior genetic sequence information is required. It enables molecular know-how to be developed quickly and cost effectively. In addition, several new technologies and detection methods have been developed by KeyGene that will increase the efficiency of application of molecular genetics to the crop."
Elliott Mannis, Chief Executive Officer of D1 Oils, said: "This agreement is a confirmation of D1's commitment to become a global leader in the plant science of Jatropha for the production of biodiesel. Jatropha is an under-developed crop and understanding its genetic profile will be crucial to its rapid commercialisation as a sustainable energy crop."
Arjen van Tunen, CEO of KeyGene, said: "The collaboration with D1 Oils provides us with a committed strategic partner active in the biodiesel sector. Through our work on established vegetable and field crops we have developed significant technology and expertise in molecular breeding. We are excited to have the opportunity to apply this to a new energy crop on which little molecular genetic information is currently available."
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