Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Agriculturalists future of little ‘camelina’ plant

Idaho Business Review
POSTED: Monday, May 25, 2009
by Zach Hagadone

The term “wonder crop” germinates and blooms, or withers and dies, when the rarefied camelina sativa comes up in conversation.

With its bright yellow blossoms, this sturdy relative of mustard grows fast, grows in the cold, grows in drought and grows when ignored.

Its tiny seeds have an oil content of around 40 percent, and are exceptionally high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Some scientists claim camelina can be used to produce heart-healthy oils and supplements, meal for livestock and, potentially, low-cost biofuel.

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