Diesel Trees - Bioenergy Crop Plants - page 627

community and hampers research efforts to assess available information. In addition, obtaining
germplasm outside of the native range of the Copaifera genus has been exceptionally difficult.
Collaborations on an international level will be crucial to establishing successful research initiatives.
We are performing genomics and biochemistry research to characterize and exploit the Copaifera
terpene biosynthetic pathways. There are at least two end goals of research. First, we need a better
understanding of the basic biochemistry of this interesting genus and its oleoresins. Second, genes
and gene regulation responsible for hydrocarbon production could be valuable with regards to their
use in production of bioproducts and fuels. For example, key genes might be transferred to temperate
oilseed species to complement and increase their biofuel production. Taken together, we expect the
diesel trees to contribute to new fuels and products beyond diesel.
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