The US Departments of Agriculture and Energy will collaborate to study plant and microbial genomics.

"Both agencies will leverage their expertise and synergize activities involving agricultural- and energy-related plants and microbes," said Dr. Ari Patrinos, Department of Energy Associate Director of Science for Biological and Environmental Research. "We will enhance coordination of proposed sequencing projects through the Biological and Environmental Research Microbial Sequencing Program or the Joint Genome Institute's Community Sequencing Program."

As its first project, the DOE Joint Genome Institute will sequence the genome of soybean, Glycine max, a valueable crop due to its potential as a source of biodiesel, a renewable, alternative fuel.

"The soybean represents an excellent example of how DOE JGI is playing a key role in 'translational genomics,' that is, applying the tools of DNA sequencing and molecular biology to contributing to the development of new avenues for clean energy generation and for crop improvement," said DOE JGI Director Dr. Eddy Rubin. "Effective application of translational genomics to soybean requires detailed knowledge of the plant's genetic code. With this starting material in hand, researchers in academia, industry and agriculture will be better positioned to optimize soybean for the broadest range of uses."

Source: US DOESupplementary Reading: An article from: Agricultural Research, New method simplifies biodiesel production: oil from soybeans is the usual starting material for biodiesel, is available from Amazon.