Genetically Modified Tobacco for Biofuel

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a method of genetically modifying two tobacco genes to kick their oil production into overdrive.This new method makes the plant a potentially lucrative crop for biofuels.

The word tobacco usually conjures up an immediate, unsavory image: a thinly-rolled, carcinogen-laden piece of paper held firmly between the index and third fingers by millions of people world-wide. But the controversial plant now has its positives.

Already being tested and used in vaccines, tobacco has also been long-considered as a potential biofuel crop. Only recently, however, has significant progress been made in tapping this potential.

What Happened?

The researchers from the Biotechnology Foundation Laboratory (BFL) discovered two genes that control oil production in tobacco plants: diacyglycerol acytransferase (DGAT) gene and the LEAFY COTYLEDON 2 gene.

Modifying the genes makes the the plant’s oil production go into overdrive, with 20 times the standard amount of oil being produced in some cases. On average, genetically modified leaves produce twice the amount of oil as normal leaves.

Why?

Tobacco plants are naturally rich in sugars, starch, and low-lignin cellulose that can be converted into ethanol, yielding up to 1100 gallons of bio-ethanol per acre. Additionally, tobacco seeds are naturally rich in oils suitable for conversion to biodiesel.

BFL claims to be able to adjust the plant metabolism to significantly increase the oil accumulation in the leaves and stems of the tobacco plant.

The tobacco engineering project should at least double the amount of biodiesel produced per acre of crops in comparison to the amount produced from soybeans. Moreover, with tobacco as a model, the foundation believes there is great promise for the application of this technology to other commercial crops such as alfalfa, soybeans or even weeds.

Is This Good?

Increasing output efficiency would seem to be a positive, as less plants would be needed for biofuel production, and thereby less water, land, fertilizers etc. But in reality, it is unlikely this outcome would occur. Increased efficiency simply means increased profits with less overhead for the producers. There does not appear to be any additional incentive to improve farming practices, which often cause the most harm.