Sugarcane could be a perfect candidate for
energy production and a potential
replacement to petroleum in a wide range
of manufacturing processes, according to
the researchers.
Australian scientists, led by Southern Cross University's Professor Robert Henry, are close to tapping the potential of sugar cane as a source of energy and fuel.
New technologies and an international research effort involving Australian scientists are making the previously impossible task of sequencing the sugarcane genome a realistic goal.
The Australian arm of the research, 'Understanding the Sugarcane Genome', is expected to bolster research into sought-after energy canes and provide alternative future business opportunities for the Australian sugarcane industry.
Southern Cross University, funded by the Brisbane-based Cooperative Research Centre for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology (CRC SIIB), is leading the project which involves contributions from Brisbane-based CSIRO scientists.
Professor Henry, director of the Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics, said sugarcane was recognised as one of the best producers of carbon when compared to other commonly grown agricultural crops, such as corn and wheat.
"Energy canes have been touted, both here and internationally, as one of the most efficient future options for producing plant-based fuels, plastics and many sought-after bio-products," according to Professor Henry.
"It is becoming well known that sugarcane is a perfect candidate for energy production and a potential replacement to petroleum in a wide range of manufacturing processes.
"To date, the plant's complex genetic structure, and the investment required to generate its sequences, have hindered research efforts of this nature."
However, complexity has not delayed Professor Henry's research. Within a few months, Professor Henry and his team will have made significant progress towards sequencing the sugarcane genome. Up until now, only small parts of the genome have been sequenced.
"Based on our current progress, we predict a draft of the sugarcane sequence will be ready by mid-2010," Professor Henry said recently.
"Thanks to CRC SIIB support, the Australian sugarcane industry will have a fantastic platform from which to conduct all future research into enhanced cane that produces more sucrose and a vast array of environmentally friendly fuel and bio-based products.
"This will be an outstanding outcome, and the resulting database will include sought-after, significant genetic information."
The sugarcane analysis at SCU is utilising new instruments and facilities funded as national research infrastructure by the Federal Government. The analysis lets researchers see just where in the sugarcane DNA structure specific cane traits can be found, so down the track, these traits can be targeted for specific research.
Researchers from around the world working on decoding the genetics of sugarcane will meet in Cairns in August to identify opportunities to collaborate to advance sugarcane research internationally.
Scientists from countries such as Brazil, USA, France and South Africa are making major contributions to this coordinated international effort. The August workshop will be funded by the CRC SIIB and will focus much of the work internationally in the next year, and accelerate the development of sugarcane as a competitive crop.
"By understanding the biological makeup of a plant, we can be more exact in our research and also identify many more sustainable applications for sugarcane. These are exciting times," said Professor Henry.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in the July edition of Discover SCU. Please contact SCU for permission to reproduce.
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