GENERATION OF ALFALFA PLANTS WITH OPTIMIZED LIGNIN BIOSYNTHESIS FOR IMPROVED FORAGE QUALITY AND YIELD

This SBIR project aims to develop an efficient approach to fine-tune lignin biosynthesis and biomass composition while increasing biomass yields in alfalfa. Moreover, an additional feed quality trait enabled by our genetic engineering strategy to mitigate enteric methane emissions will potentially improve the sustainability of meat and milk production. Our molecular, metabolic, and phenotypic characterizations of newly engineered alfalfa lines generated in Phase I will represent valuable material for 1) future verification at greenhouse/field environments and 2) trait transfer into elite germplasms via licensing and breeding.