Joint Genome Institute releases genetic code for soybean; platform for innovation in biodiesel R&D hailed

In California, the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute released a complete draft of the genetic code for soybeans, opening a new era in breeding and genetic enhancement for the biodiesel feedstock crop.  The sequencing of the soybean gene was the result of a joint effort between the DOE and the USDA, and was touted by DOE leadership as a major scientific breakthrough, and a platform for innovation in biodiesel R&D.

The soybean sequence data can be viewed here , and contains 1 billion nucleotides, or about one-third the genetic information of the human genome. The team localized 5,500 genetic markers that may be used to improve resistance to disease, drought tolerance, or yield.

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

Researchers decode genome of two algae species: could unlock secrets of carbon absorption

In California, researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and the DOE's Joint Genome Institute have successfully decoded the genetic structure of two major species of ocean-based micr...

Researchers decode key biofuels yeast genome

In North Carolina, researchers at Duke and UNC report in Genome Research that they have mapped the PE-2 yeast strain. "We took an organism that is hugely important from an industrial standpoint but...

Innovation Fuels launches European biodiesel marketing arm

In New York, Innovation Fuels and Arpadis Group have launched a joint venture, Innovation Fuels Europe, to market and distribute biodiesel to Europe. Innovation has a 40 Mgy biodiesel facility in New ...

Researchers target anti-fungi-bacteria system to unlock secrets of cellulosic conversion to sugars

In Wisconsin, researchers from the University of Wisconsin, the Joint Genome Institute and Emory University are sequencing the genomes of 17 different ants, fungi and bacteria- the goal, says an artic...

Research team publishes the completed corn genome; genome data available

A team of scientists led by The Genome Center at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis published the completed corn genome in the Nov. 20 journal Science. The corn genome is a hodgepod...

USDA, DOE award $11 million for 10 advanced biofuels genetic projects: switchgrass, miscanthus, sunflower, poplar in focus

The Department of Energy and the USDA jointly announced $11 million in funding for 10 genetic research projects aimed at accelerating cellulosic feedstock development. The DOE will provide $8.8 millio...