He bred successfully to produce a plant for fish oil

For the first time, a plant containing nutrients in fish oil was successfully bred by genetic modification in the UK.

Scientists have chosen Camelina , a popular plant in Europe and North America, that has a rich source of vegetable oil to breed. Through supplementing and hybridizing with 7 genes from marine algae, Camelina is able to produce 2 useful omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fish oils EPA and DHA.

Photo: josefshomperlenblog.org

Professor Jonathan Napier, chairing the 15-year project, said his team has succeeded in creating genetically modified Camelina plants in greenhouses and now their challenge is to plant this plant in the field. location.

The project is funded by the British Government with the aim of developing more nutritious foods to help prevent heart disease, such as omega-3 fatty acids. The source of this nutrient is still mainly exploited and produced from marine fish but according to scientists, in the next 10 years, transgenic plants from marine algae can contribute significantly to increase the supply of omega-3 .

The scientists' permission was sent to the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

If licensed, scientists can begin to cultivate the new Camelina in a strictly protected area in Hertfordshire - the site of field trials of variable wheat. Genetic changes over the past 2 years.