Reduced terpene levels in cottonseed add food to fiber.
Using RNA interference (RNAi) technology, the levels of a toxic phytoprotectant have recently been reduced specifically in the seeds of cotton to generate a novel dual-purpose crop. By engineering an endogenous terpene pathway, there is now the exciting potential for an added-value, genetically modified crop with the cash value of the fiber supported by the improved nutritional value and expanded food and feed use for the cottonseed, which is normally a low-value by-product.
Townsend
Belinda J
BJ
CSIRO Plant Industry, GPO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. belinda.townsend@bbsrc.ac.uk
Llewellyn
Danny J
DJ
D032561:Cotton Fiber / Q000379:methods; D030841:Food, Genetically Modified; D024861:Genetic Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D003368:Gossypium / Q000502:physiology*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000378:metabolism*; D015202:Protein Engineering / Q000379:methods; D012639:Seeds / Q000235:genetics*; D013729:Terpenes / Q000378:metabolism*
D010940:Plant Proteins; D013729:Terpenes