For information on PhD studies at TLL, click HERE
Research Interests
- Jatropha curcas as a biofuel feedstock plant
- Biotechnology of tropical forestry species
- Plant metabolic engineering
- Plant tissue culture and genetic modification
- DNA marker and other technology development
Research Projects
We are interested in Jatropha curcus, a tropical shrub with good potential as a biofuel feedstock plant. We aim to maximize its potential as a bioenergy source and minimize its potential harm through both traditional breeding and genetic modification. We study jatropha biodiversity and interaction of genetic factor with the environment to determine its agronomic performance. Inter- and intra- species controlled pollinations are conducted to generate hybrids followed by field evaluation for possible hybrid vigor. Hybrid populations are also used for the construction of jatropha genetic map of AFLP and SSR DNA markers. In vitro propagation systems are being developed to provide plantation materials with superior and uniform performance. We clone and characterize genes possibly involved in biosynthesis of phorbol esters, the cancer promoting compounds in jatropha seed.
On the other hand, we have been working on tropical tree species in order to help ensure sustainable fiber supply. We studied flower and wood development of Acacia mangium, a top choice for forest plantations in Southeast Asia as a fiber source. A highly efficient propagation protocol and regeneration systems through organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis were developed in our group. An agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation system has also been established. We target to genetically improve this important tree species, with gene flow concern properly addressed. We also explore other tropical tree species like Gmelina arborea for which value can be created through plant biotechnology.
Other projects include metabolic engineering of glucosinolates in Brassica vegetables, biosynthesis study of Huperzine A in Huperzia and Phlegmariurus species, transgenic research in cotton and new technology development for nucleic acid detection.
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