DOCSLIB.ORG

Secrets of Palm Oil Biosynthesis Revealed

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Secrets of Palm Oil Biosynthesis Revealed COMMENTARY Secrets of palm oil biosynthesis revealed Toni Voelker1 Monsanto, Davis, CA 95616 lobally, vegetable oils are har- Not only is oil palm by far the most diacylglycerol or phosphatidyl choline to vested from a handful of oil productive oil crop, with annual yields of- TAG. So, how then is the oil palm meso- G crops at an annual rate ex- ten exceeding 4 tons/ha, but during fruit carp cell programmed for the divergence ceeding 100 million tons (1). maturation, its mesocarp cells efficiently of almost all photosynthate to lipid stor- Most oils are used for human or animal convert photosynthate to TAGs, which age, when date palm cells store photosyn- consumption, although a minor fraction is subsequently accumulate to levels as high thate simply as sugars? A priori one would derivatized to oleochemicals. More re- as exceeding 90% of the tissue dry weight predict that there must be an up-regula- cently, an increasing amount of vegetable at maturity. In contrast, in the mesocarp of tion of all of the pertinent components oil is being diverted to the production of date palm, no TAGs are found. Instead, from FA biosynthesis, precursor supply, as biodiesel [i.e., fatty acid (FA) methyl- large amounts of sugars accumulate during well as lipid assembly. However, this is not esters], and is an attractive feedstock for maturation to levels as high as 50% of what Bourgis et al. (9) find. Surprisingly, the so-called “drop-in” biofuels of the fu- dry weight (9). For their study in PNAS, none of the ER enzymes of the so-called ture, further increasing the demand on this Bourgis et al. (9) obtained several million Kennedy pathway, including DGAT or commodity (2). Because of the commer- ESTs from developing fruit tissues of the PDAT, enzymes essential for TAG bio- cial importance of vegetable oils, during two palm species. After gene annotation synthesis, were strongly up-regulated in the past 30 y, the biosynthesis of FAs and using Arabidopsis as a reference genome oil palm. Most transcript levels were found their derived acyl lipids, especially plant (3), expression levels of orthologous tran- to be the same; no or only very subtle triacylglycerols (TAGs), has attracted scripts encoding lipid biosynthesis enzymes increases were found during mesoderm a tremendous amount of scientific interest, found in oil palm and date palm were development. Clearly, the enzymes known resulting in the identification and charac- compared. Sequence identities between for this segment of the pathway appear terization of the functions of most of the the two palm species were generally higher to have an enormous capacity of adjusting fl enzymes involved in their production and than 90%, as expected for members of the to metabolic uxes, possibly 100 times sequestration (3). In addition, researchers same plant family. In a second approach, higher than in a general plant cell. In have attempted to understand the quanti- the authors monitored the levels of lipid contrast, all transcripts encoding the 18 tative regulation of biosynthesis with the plastidial FA biosynthesis enzymes in- ultimate goal of increasing oil production volved in the conversion of pyruvate to in crops. Practically all investigations in Bourgis et al. add a FAs were found significantly up-regulated this field have been conducted in devel- in oil palm, 13 times on average, and oping embryos of oilseeds, most notably new chapter to our the three members of the multisubunit in Arabidopsis. As cDNA sequences of FA synthase between 17 and 44 times. enzymes considered “rate-limiting” be- understanding of plant Somewhat more moderate but significant came available in the mid-1990s, in- oil biosynthesis. up-regulation of the same plastidial FA creasing oil production in plants has enzymes during oil palm mesoderm become the “holy grail” of plant FA bio- development were observed as well, chemistry (4, 5). However, even though enzyme transcripts through oil palm me- corroborating the interspecies compari- there are more than a dozen reports of socarp development including the transi- son. As the plastids of the oil palm meso- marginal increases of seed oil through tion to TAG production. derm produce a large quantity of FA, are genetic manipulation, channeling carbon Plant lipid biosynthesis is compartmen- there any transcriptional signatures for intermediates to TAGs has had very lim- talized differently from that of fungi and photosynthate transport, and how is gly- ited success, and no high-oil engineered animals. De novo FAs biosynthesis occurs colysis affected? Again, most of the action crop is on the market (6, 7). Only very exclusively in the plastids, and TAG as- appears to happen in the plastid; only recently a comprehensive analysis of oil sembly is located in the endoplasmic re- marginal modulations were observed in palm mesoderm during fruit ripening was ticulum (3). In oil palm fruit tissue, TAGs the cytoplasm. Plastidial transporters for published by Tranbarger et al. (8). With accumulate as oil droplets in the cyto- hexose, pentose, triose phosphate, and this investigation, Tranberger et al. step- plasm, as the electron micrographs of phosphoenolpyruvate were strongly up- ped “outside the box” (i.e., the seed) and Bourgis et al. (9) show. This is in contrast regulated in oil palm, indicating increased delivered a first detailed insight into the to the membrane-bordered oil bodies of capacity of carbon flow into the plastid, compositional, hormonal, and transcrip- seeds (10). The compartmentation of the and several plastidial glycolytic enzymes tional changes during the different phases complete biosynthetic pathway neces- were elevated as well. Photosynthate from of oil palm fruit development and com- sitates that the photosynthate, supplied as the leaves arriving as sucrose can be pared their finding to the established sugar from the leaves, not only be im- cleaved by invertase or sucrose synthase, knowledge of oilseed development. While ported into the mesocarp cells but also be and in developing oilseeds, a switch from comparing the transcriptomes and meta- transferred to the plastid lumen to become the former to the latter is observed during bolomes of developing oil accumulating substrate for FA biosynthesis. the transition to oil biosynthesis (11). It mesoderm of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is interesting to note that, in oil palm and sugar accumulating mesoderm of Most of the Action Is in the Plastid date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Bourgis All plant cells are autonomous in respect et al. (9) follow a strategy that enables to acyl lipid biosynthesis, each supplying Author contributions: T.V. wrote the paper. them to differentiate metabolic determi- all their own membrane lipids. In princi- The author declares no conflict of interest. nants of the respective tissues from other ple, only one enzymatic step is needed to See companion article on page 12527. developmental phenomena. convert common membrane lipids like 1E-mail: [email protected]. www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1109296108 PNAS | July 26, 2011 | vol. 108 | no. 30 | 12193–12194 Downloaded by guest on September 24, 2021 mesoderm, 35 times more cell wall in- were found up-regulated during oil palm no obvious orthologues to Arabidopsis vertase than sucrose synthase transcripts maturation and at higher levels than found LEC1, LEC2, and other transcription were detected. Either the increase of su- in date palm. One of these candidates factors known to act on WRI1 in the seed crose synthase in seeds is correlated with encodes a polypeptide with high similarity were found in oil palm mesoderm. Likely, oil biosynthesis but is not causal (12), or in to the Arabidopsis WRINKLED1 tran- WRI1 in palm mesoderm responds to mesoderm, alternative metabolic routes scription factor (WRI1). A mutant of a very different network of transcrip- have evolved. WRI1 had been discovered through an tion factors. In summary, the differential analysis of Arabidopsis low-oil seed selection, which By delivering a comprehensive frame- the two palm mesocarp transcriptomes accumulated only 20% of normal TAG work of carbon partitioning in an oil-pro- revealed the following picture: in oil palm, levels in its seeds (13). The respective gene ducing, nonseed tissue, Bourgis et al. (9), the arriving sucrose is cleaved to hexoses, was identified as encoding an APETALA2- add a new chapter to our understanding of and intermediates are transported to the type transcription factor, and the mutant plant oil biosynthesis. The results demon- plastid, where glycolysis and FA synthesis rendered developing embryos unable to strate some of the principal mechanisms so are massively up-regulated. The large flux efficiently produce FAs (14). WRI1 ap- often observed in evolution, in which, out of de novo FAs is then channeled to the pears to be regulated by LEC1 and LEC2, of established networks of enzymes and endoplasmic reticulum, where “house- key transcriptional regulators of seed transcription factors, through some re- keeping” levels of the Kennedy pathway maturation, and it effects the signal from shuffling of modules, a new system is built. and associated enzymes are sufficient to LEC1, LEC2, and other factors (15) to There are other species with oil-bearing assemble the TAG, which simply accu- the transcriptional up-regulation of at mesocarp, like olive and avocado (17). mulates as oil droplets in the cytoplasm. least 10 FA biosynthesis genes, hence it is Does carbon partitioning to TAGs in these a metabolic pathway “master switch” (16). likely independently evolved high-oil tis- A WRINKLED1 for More Oil? Indeed, ectopic expression of Arabidopsis sues follow the same principles as found in The EST data not only revealed a very WRI1 has been shown to induce FA bio- oil palm? Hopefully, such questions will be clear picture of transcriptional modulation synthesis and TAG accumulation in seed- answered soon. Bourgis et al. (9) signifi- of enzymes, enabling the upscaling of acyl lings of Arabidopsis (14).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis)
    PALM S Rival & Levang: Oil Palm Vol. 59(1) 2015 ALAIN RIVAL The Oil Palm Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche (Elaeis Agronomique pour le Développement guineensis ): Jakarta, Indonesia [email protected] Research AND Challenges PATRICE LEVANG Institut de Recherche pour Beyond le Développement Yaoundé, Cameroon Controversies [email protected] Scientists certainly have a part to play in the debate over oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) cultivation, which has captured and polarized public opinion, kindled and undoubtedly shaped by the media. How can this palm be viewed as a “miracle plant” by both the agro-food industry in the North and farmers in the tropical zone, but a serious ecological threat by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) campaigning for the environment or the rights of indigenous peoples? The time has come to move on from this biased and often irrational debate, which is rooted in topical issues of contemporary society in the North, such as junk food, biodiversity, energy policy and ethical consumption. One of the reasons the public has developed as nuclear energy, genetically modified crops such fixed ideas is that there has been a lack or shale gas) that is causing controversy but an of accurate information on the sector and its entire agrom-food sector that has come to actors and a clear-headed analysis of what is symbolize the conflict between the at stake. We point out that the production and conservation of natural spaces and de- processing of palm oil are part of a complex velopment. Consumers, elected representatives globalized agrom-industrial sector shared by and scientists are finally forced to take sides for multiple actors and stakeholders with often or against palm oil, with no room for ifs and conflicting interests.
    [Show full text]
  • Nölken Palm(Kernel)Oil-Statement
    2 Nölken Palm oil and palm kernel oil Statement Palm oil is one of the most important vegetable oils as well as the displacement of indigenous people and in the world and is used in many consumer goods. the destruction of biodiversity. During the extraction of palm oil from the fruit, it is also possible to obtain palm kernel oil. This oil from For the variety of care and cosmetics products which palm kernel is a key ingredient for the production of we produce, we use raw materials such as surfactants washing and cleaning substances, e.g. for cosmetics and or emulsifiers based on renewable raw materials with detergents. Palm oil is also used in the food industry and palm kernel oil for example as a primary material. These as fuels or combustibles. However, the cultivation of oil raw materials are identified as palm oil or palm kernel palms (Elaeis guineensis) is often criticised because the oil derivatives. As a result of their productivity, palm production of palm oil is still associated with negative kernel oil derivatives are best suited to the production effects such as the clearance of rain forests, cultivation of cosmetic products. on peat soil with the emission of large amounts of CO2, Replacing palm kernel oil with other oils is not really a non-governmental organisations (i.e. WWF, Greenpea- solution. The shift to soy oil for example, the second ce) call not for an end to the use of palm (kernel) oil most important vegetable oil in the world, would then but for a transfer to a sustainable cultivation of palm cause problems in other countries.
    [Show full text]
  • Current Knowledge on Interspecific Hybrid Palm Oils As Food and Food
    foods Review Current Knowledge on Interspecific Hybrid Palm Oils as Food and Food Ingredient Massimo Mozzon , Roberta Foligni * and Cinzia Mannozzi * Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131 Ancona, Italy; m.mozzon@staff.univpm.it * Correspondence: r.foligni@staff.univpm.it (R.F.); c.mannozzi@staff.univpm.it (C.M.); Tel.: +39-071-220-4010 (R.F.); +39-071-220-4014 (C.M.) Received: 6 April 2020; Accepted: 10 May 2020; Published: 14 May 2020 Abstract: The consumers’ opinion concerning conventional palm (Elaeis guineensis) oil is negatively affected by environmental and nutritional issues. However, oils extracted from drupes of interspecific hybrids Elaeis oleifera E. guineensis are getting more and more interest, due to their chemical and × nutritional properties. Unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic) are the most abundant constituents (60%–80% of total fatty acids) of hybrid palm oil (HPO) and are mainly acylated in position sn-2 of the glycerol backbone. Carotenes and tocotrienols are the most interesting components of the unsaponifiable matter, even if their amount in crude oils varies greatly. The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils recently provided HPO the “dignity” of codified fat substance for human consumption and defined the physical and chemical parameters for genuine crude oils. However, only few researches have been conducted to date on the functional and technological properties of HPO, thus limiting its utilization in food industry. Recent studies on the nutritional effects of HPO softened the initial enthusiasm about the “tropical equivalent of olive oil”, suggesting that the overconsumption of HPO in the most-consumed processed foods should be carefully monitored.
    [Show full text]
  • Oil Palm in Indonesia— the Limits of Certification and Zero— Deforestation Pledges
    LEAVES POLICY BRIEF FEBRUARY 2019 OIL PALM IN INDONESIA— THE LIMITS OF CERTIFICATION AND ZERO— DEFORESTATION PLEDGES Highlights • Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is one of the more visible and profitable agricultural commodities driving the expansion of industrial- and small-scale plantations into forest areas, particularly in Southeast Asia. • Between 2000 and 2010, around 4.5 million hectares (ha) of forests were lost in Indonesia with others estimating that the total amount could be over 7 million ha. Around 20% of this deforestation occurred on oil palm plantations. • In Indonesia, initiatives that mitigate and manage deforestation due to palm oil production include standards and certification, zero-deforestation pledges, improvements to smallholder productivity, and jurisdictional management. This policy brief examines how well these initiatives address the causes deforestation and environmental degradation and their acceptability among stakeholders. • Palm oil production in Africa and Asia has as of yet to cause large scale deforestation of primary forest as much of the land being used for plantations was previously cleared for agriculture. • Development partners can further mitigate palm oil’s impact on deforestation by identifying financially viable and sustainable small-scale models, improving the taxation models for plantations and supply chains, strengthening the legality of jurisdictional approaches, and improving traceability in the palm oil supply chain. Introduction and eventual conversion of natural forests and peatland beginning with forestry concessions. In Southeast Asia, Globally, tropical deforestation, forest fires, and peatland oil palm cultivation has become synonymous with tropical degradation are a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions deforestation and subject to numerous environmental and biodiversity loss.
    [Show full text]
  • THE BIODIVERSITY LOSS CRISIS in SOUTHEAST ASIA a Literature Review on Current Research
    Louise Nilsson Kultur och Samhälle Urbana Studier MV109C Miljövetenskap: Kandidatkurs VT 2019 Handledare: Jonas Lundgren & Johanna Nygren Spanne Picture 1: Cacao pods at plantation in Pulau Samosir, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, Louise Nilsson, 2018. THE BIODIVERSITY LOSS CRISIS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA A literature review on current research Louise Nilsson Kultur och samhälle Urbana studier MV109C Miljövetenskap: Kandidatkurs VT 2019 Abstract This bachelor thesis focuses on the biodiversity loss problematics in Southeast Asia, since it is one of the most species rich places on Earth, coupled with the highest rate of loss of species. Four biodiversity hotspots encompasses Southeast Asia which implies areas of high endemism coupled with high rates habitat loss. This thesis aim to understand what current research in the field focuses on and what ways of protecting biodiversity in the area that exists. The main driver of biodiversity loss in Southeast Asia as well as in the rest of the world, are land-use alterations; forests and natural habitat being converted to monoculture plantations, as well as agricultural- and urban expansions. Through a systematic literature review of scientific material from 2010- 2019, the biodiversity research in Southeast Asia is reviewed. What the literature review concluded was that an array of environmental- as well as socioeconomic problems intensifies each other in the area, such as poverty and biodiversity loss. International cooperation to halt biodiversity loss and the global demand for products produced in the area which greatly damages ecosystems needs to be addressed urgently. Actions to halt the mass-extinction of species and their connected ecosystem services needs to be taken by providing means to organizations and to scientists that work in the area and could possibly be addressed by moving from anthropocentrism towards a biocentric nature view.
    [Show full text]
  • Transmission of the Coconut Cadang-Cadang Viroid to Six Species of Palm by Inoculation with Nucleic Acid Extracts
    Plant Pathology {\9H5) 34, 391-401 Transmission of the coconut cadang-cadang viroid to six species of palm by inoculation with nucleic acid extracts JULITA S. \MPER\ALand ROSEMARIE M. BAUTISTA Philippine Coconut Authority, Albav Research Center. Banao, Guinobatan, Albay, Philippines JOHN W. RANDLES Plant Pathology Department, Waite Agricultural Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia Seedlings of Areca catechu (betel nut palm), Corypha elata (buri palm), Adonidia merrillii (manila palm), Elaeis guineensis (oil palm), Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (palmera) and Oreodoxa regia (royal palm) were inoculated with nucleic acid extracts from coconut palms with cadang-cadang disease. Within 2 years of inoculation, analysis using a ^-P-labelled DNA probe complementary to the coconut cadang-cadang viroid (CCCV) showed that RNA sequences identical to CCCV were present in the inoculated seedlings. Electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels showed that these palms also contained an RNA with mobility identical to CCCW. Four to five years after inoculation, the infected palms of four species were usually stunted compared with uninoculated palms, while betel nut and palmera were not stunted. Yellowing of leaflets was observed with defined spots or mottling of the older fronds in all except betel nut palms. All infected palms showed mild or severe yellow- leaf spotting. These results widen the known host range and. hence, the potential number of viroid reservoir species in the field. INTRODUCTION examined. The presence of alternative plant The viroid associated with cadang-cadang infec- reservoirs in the field is one important aspect tion of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) (Randies. and studies are in progress on the identification 1975) has been shown to cause the disease when of additional species that are susceptible to inoculated to coconut palm (Zelazny et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Pest Categorisation of Cadang‐Cadang Viroid
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Archivio istituzionale della ricerca - Università di Brescia SCIENTIFIC OPINION ADOPTED: 27 June 2017 doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4928 Pest categorisation of Cadang-Cadang viroid EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLH), Michael Jeger, Claude Bragard, David Caffier, Thierry Candresse, Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz, Gianni Gilioli, Jean-Claude Gregoire, Josep Anton Jaques Miret, Alan MacLeod, Maria Navajas Navarro, Bjorn€ Niere, Stephen Parnell, Roel Potting, Trond Rafoss, Vittorio Rossi, Gregor Urek, Ariena Van Bruggen, Wopke Van der Werf, Jonathan West, Elisavet Chatzivassiliou, Stephan Winter, Gabor Hollo and Thierry Candresse Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Cadang-Cadang viroid for the European Union (EU) territory. Coconut cadang-cadang viroid (CCCVd) is a well-known viroid for which efficient molecular detection assays are available. It is transmitted by vegetative multiplication of infected hosts, by seed and pollen and, possibly, by the action of unknown vector(s). CCCVd is reported from a few countries in Asia and is not known to occur in the EU. It therefore does not meet one of the criteria for being a Union regulated non-quarantine pest. The host range of CCCVd is restricted to Arecaceae species (palms), in particular coconut and it is listed on all known hosts in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. CCCVd is expected to be able to enter in the EU and to be able to establish in the open in the southernmost regions of the EU and elsewhere under protected cultivation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Threat of Cadang-Cadang Disease
    19931 MARAMOROSCH:CADANG-CADANG t87 Principes,37(4), 1993, pp. r87-r96 The Threat of Cadang-CadangDisease Kenr Menerr,roRoscH Department ofEntomology, Cook College, New Jersey Agricuhural Experiment Station, Rutgers-The State Uniuersity, Neu Brunswick, Nl 08903 "milk") ABSTRACT (coconut and the palms provide the only shade and building material. of cadang-cadang disease In 1975 the viroid cause Cadang-cadang disease occurs and of coconut and other palms became established in the Philippines and Guam. The suspected occurrence of spreads currently.on Luzon and a number this disease on other Pacific inlands requires confir- of other Philippine islands, as well as on mation. Replanting with the early maturing Mawa Cuam. The diseasehas been suspected on cultivar, widely advocated in the Philippines, merely a few other Pacific islands recently. provides a temporary but inadequate remedy because this cultivar is susceptible to viroid infection. The HistoricalBackground spread of the disease could be controlled by proper "dying-dying," extension work, requiring the thorough decontami- Cadang-cadang means nation of tools used by plantation workers. Concen- or slowly dying in Bicolano, the language trated sodium carbonate solution can degrade RNA viroids, remaining stable and retaining its RNA- spoken in southeastern Luzon. The first destroying activity under tropical conditions. An well-documented outbreak of the disease extensive testing program for resistance to cadang- was noticed on San Miguel Island off Luzon Such a long-term program will cadang is imperative. in 1928. By 1933 nearly 257o of the require proper funding, commitment, trained person- nel and quarantined importation of coconut cultivars coconut palms had died there and the plan- from all parts of the world.
    [Show full text]
  • PHENOLOGY, BIOMETRICS and FRUITS PRODUCTION of Attalea
    Facultad de Ciencias ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA Departamento de Biología http://www.revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/actabiol Sede Bogotá ARTÍCULO DE INVESTIGACIÓN / RESEARCH ARTICLE BOTÁNICA PHENOLOGY, BIOMETRICS AND FRUITS PRODUCTION OF Attalea nucifera (ARECACEAE) IN COLOMBIA FENOLOGÍA, PARÁMETROS BIOMÉTRICOS Y PRODUCTIVIDAD DE FRUTOS DE Attalea nucifera (ARECACEAE) EN COLOMBIA Ivón Jiménez-Morera1 , Néstor García1 1Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 40 – 62, Bogotá, Colombia *For correspondence: [email protected] Received: 06th February 2019, Returned for revision: 03rd May 2019, Accepted: 28th May 2019. Associate Editor: Xavier Marquínez-Casas. Citation/Citar este artículo como: Jiménez-Morera I, García N. Phenology, biometrics and fruits production of Attalea nucifera (Arecaceae) in Colombia. Acta biol. Colomb. 2020;25(1):104-111. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15446/abc.v25n1.77701 ABSTRACT Attalea nucifera is a threatened palm endemic to the Magdalena River basin in Colombia. In the past its seeds were consumed by the inhabitants of the town of Guaduas, Cundinamarca, although currently its use is less frequent. To assess the productive potential of this palm, we studied its phenology, biometric parameters, and fruit productivity in a forest relict in Guaduas. Field work was carried out between April 2016 and March 2017. The reproductive cycle of this species lasted approximately 12 and a half months from bud to fruit ripening. Although bud production occurred throughout the year, it increased during periods of greatest rainfall. Flowering peaks occurred towards the end of the rainy season and fruits ripened towards the period of low rainfall. We found a positive correlation between the number of leaves in the crown and the production of reproductive structures (rs = 0.447, p = 0.004).
    [Show full text]
  • Ending Global Deforestation: Policy Options for Consumer Countries Ending Global Deforestation: Ending Global Deforestation: Policy Options for Consumer Countries
    Ending Global Deforestation: Options for Consumer Countries Policy Ending Global Deforestation: Policy Options for Consumer Countries Duncan Brack with Rob Bailey September 2013 Duncan Brack with Rob Bailey Chatham House, 10 St James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LE T: +44 (0)20 7957 5700 E: [email protected] F: +44 (0)20 7957 5710 www.chathamhouse.org Charity Registration Number: 208223 Ending Global Deforestation: Policy Options for Consumer Countries Duncan Brack with Rob Bailey September 2013 © The Royal Institute of International Affairs, 2013 Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) is an independent body which promotes the rigorous study of international questions and does not express opinions of its own. The opinions expressed in this publication are the responsibility of the authors. Forest Trends is a Washington D.C.-based international non-profit organization that was created in 1998. Our mission is four-fold: to expand the value of forests to society; to promote sustainable forest management and conservation by creating and capturing market values for ecosystem services; to support innovative projects and companies that are developing these markets; and to enhance the livelihoods of local communities living in and around those forests. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. Please direct all enquiries to the publishers. Chatham House 10 St James’s Square London SW1Y 4LE T: +44 (0) 20 7957 5700 F: + 44 (0) 20 7957 5710 www.chathamhouse.org Charity Registration No.
    [Show full text]
  • Oviposition Behavior of the Female Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, Oryctes Rhinoceros
    Oviposition Behavior of the Female Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE DIVISION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I AT MĀNOA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS IN SCIENCE IN ENTOMOLOGY DECEMBER 2017 By Megan E. Manley Thesis Committee: Helen Spafford, Co-chairperson Michael Melzer, Co-chairperson Mark Wright Keywords: Coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros, oviposition DEDICATION To my mother, Marilyn Noble Manley, for sacrificing so much to raise me and my sisters and for showing us what a strong woman is. Thank you for never giving up on me and helping me to grow into a woman I know Lolo would be proud of. I love you Mom. AKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis was completed with tremendous support from my committee co-chairs, Dr. Helen Spafford and Dr. Michael Melzer, as well as my committee member Dr. Mark Wright. I would like to thank them for giving me this opportunity, and without their constant guidance and advice, I would not have had such a great experience throughout my journey to completing my thesis. I would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Helen Spafford for being an exceptional human being, understanding me as a person, and inspiring me as a woman in science. I also extend an immense amount of gratitude to Dr. Shizu Watanabe for being there for me personally and professionally, and for acting as a true mentor; you are greatly appreciated. I would like to thank the CRB Response Team, Dr. Keith Weiser, Tomie Vowell, Nelson Masang, Scott Appelbaum, Allie Kong, Matthew Kellar, and Brandi Adams for working on the beetle colony with me and helping me with numerous tasks pertaining to my research.
    [Show full text]
  • Summary the African Oil Palm, Elaeis Guineensis, Is the Major Global Vegetable Oil Crop
    SEARCH Summary The African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis, is the major global vegetable oil crop. Palm oil is consumed daily by over two billion people and can be found in about half of all products on sale in a typical supermarket. Increased demand for palm oil, particularly in Asia and Europe, has led to extensive conversion of tropical habitats into plantations. In some parts of Southeast Asia, this has had adverse ecological and environmental consequences that have led to calls for boycotts of products containing palm oil. The industry is now responding to these pressures, albeit slowly and belatedly in some cases, and several schemes are in place to provide palm oil that is certified as being of sustainable origin. Advanced breeding methods, particularly genomics, are beginning to bear fruit in terms of crop improvement for yield, quality, and biologically based pest and disease resistance. In the future oil palm is set to become a truly global crop with important new centres of cultivation being developed in tropical Africa and the Americas. Key words palm oil, food, detergents, smallholders, plantations, peat soil, sustainability, advanced breeding, genomics, globalisation Abbreviations RSPO, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil; HCS, High Carbon Stock; TILLING, TargetIng Local Lesions IN Genomes; CRISPR Clustered, Regularly Interspaced, Short Palindromic Repeats; TALENs Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases; QTL, Quantitative Trait Loci Introduction Palm oil is obtained from the fruits of the African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis. Oil palms originated in western Africa but are now grown in tropical regions around the world, most notably in Southeast Asia (see Table 1).
    [Show full text]