Soybeans: Translational Genomics for Clean Energy

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The soybean, Glycine max, is the principal source of biodiesel, a renewable, alternative fuel. Biodiesel has the highest energy content of any alternative fuel and is much more environmentally friendly than comparable petroleum-based fuels. Biodiesel degrades rapidly in the environment and burns more cleanly than conventional fuels, releasing only half the pollutants and reducing the production of carcinogenic compounds by more than 80%.

Detailed knowledge of the soybean genetic code will allow for crop improvements and the effective application of this plant to clean energy generation. Knowing which genes control specific traits, researchers could change the type and quantity of oil produced by the crop, and lead to soybean plants that are more resistant to drought or disease.

 

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