Biodiesel Feedstock Development for the Southern Great Plains

2007 DOT-RITA Seed Award

 

PI: Dr. Michael Stamm (Kansas State University, Agronomy)
Co-PI: Dr.Gary Pierzynski (Kansas State University)

Funded: $63,680

Start Date: 7/1/2007

End Date: 6/30/2011

 

Expected Outcome

Specialty canola cultivars will be the primary deliverable from this research project. Specialty canola cultivars will possess high oleic acid content in addition to low-linoleic, low-linolenic acid content, and lower levels of saturated fatty acids. High-oleic cultivars are defined as having approximately 75% oleic acid, with reduced amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acid. Specialty canola cultivars will be available approximately 8 to 10 years following creation of breeding populations.

 

A reputable biofuel industry will likely establish in the region over this same time period. Oil produced from these specialty cultivars will provide a high quality feedstock with improved stability for the production of biodiesel. Superior oil quality will strengthen the value-added farm economy of the southern Great Plains, providing farmers an incentive to grow the cultivars.