Transgenic switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) targeted for reduced recalcitrance to bioconversion: a 2-year comparative analysis of field-grown lines modified for target gene or genetic element expression.

ABSTRACT: Transgenic Panicum virgatum L. silencing (KD) or overexpressing (OE) specific genes or a small RNA (GAUT4-KD, miRNA156-OE, MYB4-OE, COMT-KD and FPGS-KD) was grown in the field and aerial tissue analysed for biofuel production traits. Clones representing independent transgenic lines were established and senesced tissue was sampled after year 1 and 2 growth cycles. Biomass was analysed for wall sugars, recalcitrance to enzymatic digestibility and biofuel production using separate hydrolysis and fermentation. No correlation was found between plant carbohydrate content and biofuel production pointing to overriding structural and compositional elements that influence recalcitrance. Biomass yields were greater for all lines in the second year as plants establish in the field and standard amounts

SUBMITTER: Dumitrache A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5425389 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature