China completes cassava genome sequencing for energy use research

iStockAnalyst.com
Monday, January 18, 2010 12:51 AM

HAIKOU, Jan. 18, 2010 (Xinhua News Agency) -- China has completed the genome sequencing of three varieties of cassava, the roots of which are used to produce ethanol, scientists said Monday.

The genome sequencing can shed light on the cassava plant as a source of biomass energy. It also lays the foundation for enhancing cassava's ability to grow on barren soil and resistance against drought, said Peng Ming, head of the Biology Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences.

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