Wageningen, The Netherlands
September 28, 2007
D1
Oils plc, the UK-based global producer of biodiesel, has
signed an agreement with
Keygene N.V. of the Netherlands, one of the global leaders
in the science of genetic fingerprinting, to pursue molecular
genetics research in Jatropha curcas. Jatropha is an oilseed
tree that grows in tropical and sub-tropical regions and
produces high yields of inedible vegetable oil that can be
refined into highquality biodiesel. The two year agreement
provides D1 with exclusive rights on applied contract research
and molecular services carried out by KeyGene on Jatropha.
KeyGene's genetic fingerprinting
technology enables the identification of different Jatropha
cultivars through genetic markers similar to commercial bar
codes. The technology has the potential to increase
significantly the efficiency of D1's breeding programme to
develop high-yielding Jatropha cultivars. D1 will act as the
exclusive supplier of selected, high-yielding Jatropha seeds and
seedlings to D1-BP Fuel Crops, the Company's new planting joint
venture with BP.
Commenting on the agreement, Henk
Joos, D1's Plant Science and Agronomy Director, said: 'KeyGene's
technology is highly suitable for undertaking molecular work on
a new crop, since no prior genetic sequence information is
required. It enables molecular know-how to be developed quickly
and cost effectively. In addition, several new technologies and
detection methods have been developed by KeyGene that will
increase the efficiency of application of molecular genetics to
the crop.'
Elliott Mannis, Chief Executive
Officer of D1 Oils, said: 'This agreement is a confirmation of
D1's commitment to become a global leader in the plant science
of Jatropha for the production of biodiesel. Jatropha is an
under-developed crop and understanding its genetic profile will
be crucial to its rapid commercialisation as a sustainable
energy crop.'
Arjen van Tunen, CEO of KeyGene,
said: 'The collaboration with D1 Oils provides us with a
committed strategic partner active in the biodiesel sector.
Through our work on established vegetable and field crops we
have developed significant technology and expertise in molecular
breeding. We are excited to have the opportunity to apply this
to a new energy crop on which little molecular genetic
information is currently available.'
D1 Oils plc is a UK-based
global producer of biodiesel. We are building a global supply
chain and network that is sustainable and delivers value from
'earth-to-engine'. Our operations cover agronomy, refining and
trading. We are pioneering the science, planting and production
of inedible vegetable oils; we design, build, own, operate and
market biodiesel refineries; and we source, transport and trade
seeds and seedlings, seedcake, crude vegetable oils and
biodiesel.
Keygene N.V. is a R&D company
with the mission to be the leading company in developing and
applying DNA expertise in the field of molecular genetics.
KeyGene has developed a strong proprietary technology platform
based on AFLP®, a DNA marker technology for genome analysis,
transcript profiling and genetic analysis. For diagnostic
purposes, SNPWave® a multiplexed SNP detection technology was
developed. KeyGene exploits its proprietary technologies,
databases and know-how through contract research and products
for applications in the Life Sciences industry and more
specifically in innovative breeding applications such as
Breeding by Design™, CRoPS™ and KeyPoint™. KeyGene has five
shareholders consisting of major vegetable seed companies: De
Ruiter Seeds, ENZA Zaden, Rijk Zwaan, Vilmorin & Cie and Takii &
Co. KeyGene has around 120 researchers and staff.
The AFLP® technology, SNPWave®
technology, CRoPS™ technology and KeyPoint™ are covered by
patents and/or patent applications of Keygene N.V. AFLP and
SNPWave are registered trademarks of Keygene N.V. Applications
for trademark registration for Breeding by Design, CRoPS and
KeyPoint have been filed by Keygene N.V. |
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