By Jim Stafford
Business Writer
As printed in The Oklahoman, March 15, 2008.

Research into the use of plants as a renewable energy source received a major boost this week when the state's technology-based economic development agency awarded $540,000 in grants to Oklahoma scientists.

The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology awarded Oklahoma Plant Science Research grants for two applied research grants and five basic research projects. This is the second year that OCAST has funded the plant research program.

Five of the seven projects will delve into the potential for plant uses as a renewable energy source, while the others focus on early identification of cancer cells through tobacco virus study and detection of infestations of the Russian wheat aphid that costs wheat growers millions of dollars annually.

Principal investigators are located at Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in Ardmore and Terraverde Technologies in Stillwater.

"We are particularly pleased to be included among the OCAST grant recipients," said Michael A. Cawley, president and chief executive officer of the Noble Foundation. "This year's OCAST grants represent yet another significant resource in Oklahoma's effort to establish itself as a leader in the emerging biofuels industry.

"We are very appreciative of the leadership role OCAST is taking in this important endeavor."

Oklahoma scientists conducting basic and applied research in the field of plant sciences are eligible to compete for the plant sciences program. Applications undergo peer review and funds are awarded based on merit, collaborative effort and the leverage of federal and private funds.

"New cures for disease, new sources of energy and innovative new fibers for mankind are the potential outcomes from this program," said Michael Carolina, OCAST executive director. "Through our system of peer review, we believe the award recipients represent quality science and the highest potential for success."

Applied Research:

• Targeting Russian wheat aphids. Application of a remote sensing system developed by Terraverde Technologies in Stillwater will help researchers detect infestations of Russian wheat aphid. Research will be conducted in concert with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Science Research Laboratory. $89,000.

• Norman Elliott, Stillwater, will serve as principal investigator for a project. Nancy Paiva, Durant, was awarded $25,000 for work at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She will evaluate a native wildflower, centaurea, for its potential as a biodiesel-specific oilseed.

Basic Research:

• Susan Schroeder, University of Oklahoma, will study satellite tobacco mosaic virus to seek improved methods for early identification of cancerous cells and provide a better diagnosis. $85,205.

• Andrew Doust, Oklahoma State University, will study foxtail millet to develop switchgrass biomass traits. The millet is closely related to switchgrass which has been identified as a potential source of biomass for alternative fuels. The researcher will produce a set of markers that can be used for comparative mapping to other biomass crops. $85,205.

• Gary Thompson, Oklahoma State University, will research identification of novel proteins that can impact changes in plant tissue. He plans to develop genetic knowledge to be used in plant productivity, renewable biomass and nutritional improvement. $85,205.

• Ming Yang, Oklahoma State University, will study certain proteins that will regulate plant reproductive development and provide for genetic or physiological manipulations to improve plant health and productivity. The ultimate goal is improved crop performance. $85,205.

• Elison Blancaflor, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, will research plant polarity to seek ways to improve productivity and yield for renewable biomass. $85,180.

This article appeared in The Oklahoman, www.newsok.com, on March 15, 2008.