August 19, 2009

Rutabaga can be used for biofuel and animal feed

Rutabaga, which stores oil in its seeds could be a better source for biofuel than other crops, and can also be used for animal feed, according to researchers at Michigan State University.

The researchers have inserted a gene into rutabagas to let them accumulate oil instead of starch. The parts of GM rutabagas that are not harvested for oil could be used for animal feed, the researchers said.

The rutabaga is not a popular food, which is an advantage for the biofuel industry. The use of corn, soy and other food crops for biofuel has been blamed for food shortages, food price increases and tightening supplies of animal feed.