While sequencing the sugarcane genome is a potential minefield that has been talked about for many years; Australian scientists are predicting that a draft sugarcane sequence will be available by mid-2010.
New technologies and an international research effort involving Australian scientists are making the previously impossible task of sequencing the sugarcane genome a realistic goal.
The Australian arm of the research, "Understanding the Sugarcane Genome", is expected to bolster research into sought-after energy canes and provide alternative future business opportunities for the Australian sugarcane industry.
Based at New South Wales' Southern Cross University (SCU) and funded by the Brisbane-based Cooperative Research Centre for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology ("CRC SIIB"), this research also involves contributions from Brisbane-based CSIRO scientists.
Head of the research project, international plant genetics expert, SCU Professor Robert Henry, said sugarcane is recognised as one of the best producers of carbon when compared to other commonly grown agricultural crops, such as corn and wheat.
"Energy canes have been touted, both here and internationally, as one of the most efficient future options for producing plant-based fuels, plastics and many sought-after bio-products," according to Professor Henry.
"It is becoming well known that sugarcane is a perfect candidate for energy production and a potential replacement to petroleum in a wide range of manufacturing processes.
"To date, the plant's complex genetic structure, and the investment required to generate its sequences, have hindered research efforts of this nature."
However, complexity has not delayed Professor Henry’s research. After a few months, Professor Henry and his team will have made significant progress towards sequencing the sugarcane genome. Up until now, only small parts of the genome have been sequenced.
"Based on our current progress, we predict a draft of the sugarcane sequence will be ready by mid-2010," Professor Henry said recently.
"Thanks to CRC SIIB support, the Australian sugarcane industry will have a fantastic platform from which to conduct all future research into enhanced cane that produce more sucrose and a vast array of environmentally friendly fuel and bio-based products."
"This will be an outstanding outcome, and the resulting database will include sough-after, significant genetic information."
The sugarcane analysis at SCU is utilising new instruments and facilities funded as national research infrastructure by the Federal Government. The analysis lets researchers see just where in the sugarcane DNA structure specific cane traits can be found, so down the track, these traits can be targeted for specific research.
Researchers from around the world working on decoding the genetics of sugarcane will meet in Cairns in August to identify opportunities to collaborate to advance sugarcane research internationally.
Scientists from countries such as Brazil, USA, France and South Africa are making major contributions to this coordinated international effort. The August Workshop will be funded by the CRC SIIB and will focus much of the work internationally in the next year, and accelerate the development of sugarcane as a competitive crop.
"By understanding the biological makeup of a plant, we can be more exact in our research and also identify many more sustainable applications for sugarcane. These are exciting times," said Professor Henry.
ENDS
*The Cooperative Research Centre for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology (CRC SIIB) was established to add new value to Australian sugarcane.
It is a unique alliance of Australia's top sugarcane biotechnology research organisations including four Universities, sugar industry research organisations, Federal and Queensland State Governments, and commercial expertise.
Established on 1 July 2003 under a seven-year joint research agreement, its Head Office is at The University of Queensland in Brisbane. The CRC’s scientists and research scholars are based in Brisbane and in sugarcane towns throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales. The CRC SIIB entered the commercialisation phase of its research in July 2006.
www.crcsugar.com
For more information or a photograph:
CRC SIIB Communication
Julie Lloyd
M: 0415 799 890