Development of Winter Safflower as a Biodiesel Feedstock

2009 DOT-RITA Integrated Award

 

Project Title: DEVELOPMENT OF WINTER SAFFLOWER AS A BIODIESEL FEEDSTOCK

PI: Dr. Dick Auld (Texas Tech University & Texas AgriLife Research Lubbock, Plant Genetics and Breeding)
Co-PI: Dr. Calvin Trostle (Texas AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M Univ. Agric.Res. and Ext.Center)
Co-PI: Dr. Michael Foster (Texas AgriLife Research, Pecos R&G Base)
Co-PI: Dr. Sangamesh Angadi (New Mexico State University)
Co-PI: Dr. Aaron Benson (Texas Tech University)

Funded: $224,987

Start Date: 8/1/2009

End Date: 7/31/2011

 

Expected Outcomes

As currently structured this program will develop information and new products in the three areas of research:

 

Genetic Enhancement: The crosses and subsequent screening of the segregating generations derived from these crosses at locations across this region will generate germplasm populations and potential experimental cultivars. These lines and populations will combine good winter survival with high oil content and high oleic acid content.

 

Agronomic Evaluation: The proposed studies combined with historical data will provide a nearly comprehensive agronomic production guideline for producing winter safflower across the Southern Great Plains. By conducting cooperative trials with other researchers across the region this project should also provide adaptation trial data in the northern reaches of this production region.

 

Economic & Life Cycle Analysis: This series of studies will be based extensively on current data and data generated during the research phase of this project which will provide a measure of production inputs, yields per unit of water, and the potential impact of this new cropping system on the global environment and agricultural economy of the region.

 

It is hoped this investment from the Sun Grant program will generate additional research and extension support as well as high quality refereed and grower publications. However the ultimate success of this project will be the eventual development of a new, high value enterprise for the successful production of renewable biodiesel.