2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Using biotechnology and biodiversity searches, select approximately five candidate crops for alternative crop feedstock assessment. Cultivate and harvest seeds from candidate crops. Seeds will be analyzed for oil content and composition/content of medium chain fatty acids. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Multi-site field studies will be conducted to evaluate seed oil properties and agronomic characteristics of candidate crop species and how they are influenced by growth environment. Results will be assessed to determine the feasibility of present and future production in the U.S. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document accomplishments under a Reimbursable Agreement between ARS and the University of North Dakota, Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC). Additional details of research can be found in the parent project 3645-21220-003-00D. A multi-location field study was established in IL, IA, MN and ND to evaluate five species/genotypes of domestically produced crop-oil sources for biofuel production. Soil and climate influences on plant growth, yield, and seed oil characteristics are being evaluated to determine the feasibility of producing these new crops in the US for biofuel and to provide details on environmental effects on seed oil quality that may impact desired fuel characteristics. Soil samples were taken at all sites to determine physical and chemical characteristics. Precipitation, air and soil temperatures, solar radiation, and soil moisture at the 10-cm depth are being collected at all sites on a daily basis. Plant growth including height, leaf area index, growth staging, and photosynthesis are being collected on a two- to three-week basis. A 24-page draft report was submitted to collaborator identifying present and future alternative crop-based fatty acid feedstock for biofuel production. Activities with collaborator are monitored through monthly written progress reports submitted by email, semi-annual technical progress reports, teleconferences, and on-site meetings. Communication with collaborators is made an average of four to five times per month via telephone and/or email. A project “kickoff” meeting was attended at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND, on April 23 and 24, to discuss implementation of research and perform and document an in-depth risk assessment of all aspects of the study. 6.Technology Transfer