Plan’s have been announced for the world’s most advanced research and development center dedicated to the biofuel crop Jatropha to be established in San Diego, California.
Jatropha is a non-edible, fast-growing shrub native to Central America, which has seeds containing large amounts of oil that can be turned into biodiesel.
SG Biofuels, Inc., said yesterday it is to set up a facility with a 42,000 square foot greenhouse to house the largest and most diverse collection of Jatropha genetic material, along with world-class laboratories.
Its molecular scientists will work to develop the plant as a low-cost source of biofuels.
Kirk Haney, president and chief executive officer at SG Biofuels, said: “Our San Diego facilities will serve as the hub for SG Biofuels’ network of global crop improvement centers, bringing together the results of our sophisticated breeding and biotechnology efforts into a central, state-of-the-art development platform.”
Resources
SG Biofuels already has more than 6,000 unique genotypes in its library of Jatropha genetic resources, including traits it says are important for improving oil yields, adapting to different soils and for improved harvesting.
Earlier this year, the firm introduced its first “elite” Jatropha variety, JMax 100, which SG Biofuels says is projected to enjoy yields 100% greater than existing commercial varieties.
Production costs for JMax 100 are about $1.40 per gallon, the company says.
“Combined with our industry-leading science team and existing research program, our research center significantly expands the scope of crop improvements and the speed to marketplace of elite, high yielding seeds of Jatropha,” said Mr Haney.
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