D1 Oils and KeyGene to Collaborate on Molecular Genetics for Jatropha

Research collaboration

D1 Oils plc, a UK producer of biodiesel, signed an agreement with Keygene NV of the Netherlands, to research the genetics of Jatropha curcas, an oilseed tree that grows in tropical and sub-tropical regions, producing high yields of inedible vegetable oil that can be refined into biodiesel.

The two year agreement provides D1 with exclusive rights to applied contract research and molecular services carried out by KeyGene on Jatropha.

KeyGene’s genetic fingerprinting technology will make it possible to identify different Jatropha cultivars, increasing the efficiency of D1’s breeding programme. D1 will act as the exclusive supplier of selected, high-yielding Jatropha seeds and seedlings to D1-BP Fuel Crops, the company’s new planting joint venture with BP.

Henk Joos, D1’s Plant Science and Agronomy Director, said, “KeyGene’s technology is highly suitable for undertaking molecular work on a new crop, since no prior genetic sequence information is required. It enables molecular know-how to be developed quickly and cost effectively.”

Elliott Mannis, Chief Executive Officer of D1 Oils, said the agreement demonstrated D1’s commitment to become a global leader in the plant science of Jatropha for the production of biodiesel. “Jatropha is an under-developed crop and understanding its genetic profile will be crucial to its rapid commercialisation as a sustainable energy crop.”

The tree grows on marginal land that is unsuitable for food crops and can be irrigated with wastewater.

D1 Oils plc is building a supply chain covering agronomy, refining and trading. Along with planting Jatropha trees it designs, builds and operates biodiesel refineries.