Area of Study / Keywords

plant lipid biotechnology oilseed crop canola oleaginous microorganisms

Research

The ongoing projects in the Plant Lipid Biotechnology lab have both basic and applied contents. We aim to

(1) enhance our understanding of storage lipid formation

(2) develop novel genetic engineering strategies for increasing oil yield and producing value-added specialty oils in higher plants and some microorganisms (e.g. microalgae and yeast), and

(3) develop oil crops with improved agronomic characteristics (e.g. abiotic and biotic stress tolerance of canola, seed yield and quality).

In addition, we are also collaborating with colleagues on other projects such as improving oil content and stress tolerance in forage crops.

Teaching

Plants for Bioproducts (PL SC 345) and Lipid Science (AFNS414 & AFNS514).

AFNS 500 - Individual Study

Project or reading course under the supervision of a Faculty member requiring preparation of a comprehensive report. Prerequisite: consent of Department. Note: May be taken more than once provided the topic is different.

PL SC 345 - Plants for Bioproducts

Agronomy, breeding, biochemistry, biotechnology, and ecological issues related to production of plants for bioproducts. Topics selected from biodiesel, fuel ethanol, biolubricants, bioplastic, platform biochemicals, and starch and protein for nonfood applications. Prerequisite: BIOL 107, PL SC 221, or CHEM 164.

Browse more courses taught by Guanqun(Gavin) Chen