D1 Oils, KeyGene in 2-year jatropha research deal

28 September 2007 09:19  [Source: ICIS news]

MUMBAI (ICIS news)--D1 Oils has signed a two-year agreement with Dutch-based genetic fingerprinting firm KeyGene to pursue molecular genetics research in jatropha, the company said on Friday.

"Jatropha is an underdeveloped crop and understanding its genetic profile will be crucial to its rapid commercialisation as a sustainable energy crop," said Elliott Mannis, CEO of D1 Oils.

The agreement would provide D1 Oils with exclusive rights on applied contract research and molecular services carried out by KeyGene on jatropha, the UK-based biodiesel producer added.

"The technology has the potential to increase significantly the efficiency of D1’s breeding programme to develop high-yielding jatropha cultivars," D1 Oils said.

D1 Oils would be the exclusive supplier of these seeds and seedlings to D1-BP Fuel Crops, its planting joint venture with BP Chemicals.

"KeyGene’s technology enables molecular know-how to be developed quickly and cost effectively," said Henk Joos, D1 Oils’ plant science and agronomy director.

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.

ICIS Copyright © Reed Business Information 2009

Author: Aaron Rodrigues
+65 6780 4359

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