Designing Oilseeds for Tomorrow's Markets
The new "Designing Oilseeds for Tomorrow's Markets" project represents a comprehensive and strategically based functional genomics dissection of Brassica seed meal quality. Brassica crops, in particular B. napus, canola, generate > $11 billion in annual economic activity (Canola Council, Socio-Economic Value Report), and thus we anticipate substantial additional economic and social benefits from the proposed investment.
The proposed research plan focuses on seed meal quality of Brassica napus. The project will examine the modification of seed traits to enhance crop value and develop novel/improved food and feed products.
The modifications include reduction of anti-nutrients, such as sinapine, phytate and glucosinolates and enhancement of nutritional factors including carotenoids.
The transcriptome of the Brassica seed coat will be studied to evaluate the molecular networks governing seed meal quality. A Brassica TILLING population will be generated and used to identify novel genes for the evaluation of potential new crop phenotypes.
Through this project, post-doctoral researchers, students and research technicians will be trained in biochemistry, molecular genetics, breeding and bioinformatics. Plant breeding expertise is an integral part of this initiative to facilitate the ultimate commercialization of prototype germplasm.
The project will interact with the industry stakeholders through the creation of a Stakeholders Working Group in order to ensure the capture of the socio-economic benefits of the proposed research.
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This project is supported by Genome Alberta and Genome Canada, private non-profit corporations whose mandate is to develop and implement a national strategy in genomics and proteomics research for the benefit of all Canadians. For this purpose, they have received $600 million in funding from the Canadian government.
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