FuturaGene launches field trials for enhanced energy crops

In China, FuturaGene has launched four field trials for selection and improvement of plant species in Gansu province, in northwestern China. The trials will evaluate the potential of woody crops and certain shrub varieties to combat desertification, enable soil regeneration and produce economic offtake for biopower and liquid biofuels.

These trials represent the start of a 4-year long project to evaluate the potential of the plants to provide ecosystem services (carbon sequestration, desert reversal, soil restoration), as well as socio-economic benefits such as intercropping and bioenergy offtake. Varieties selected for their potential from these trials will be improved by breeding and advanced biotechnology.

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