Project Number: 3620-41000-115-03
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Nov 20, 2001
End Date: Sep 30, 2005

Objective:
Lesquerella, a native U.S. plant, produces seed containing a hydroxy vegetable oil. Our overall goal is to commercialize lesquerella. To reach this goal, these objectives will be addressed: (1) develop new industrial products unique to lesquerella; (2) test and evaluate these new industrial products to demonstrate their superiority to petroleum based, imported, or synthetic alternatives; and (3) provide seed to industry for product development, and improve the crop's economics.

Approach:
Lesquerella oil is two-thirds or more lesquerolic acid, a hydroxy fatty acid (HFA). Hydroxy fatty acids are important industrial feedstocks and are used in lithium greases, coatings, food grade lubricants, polyurethanes and cosmetics. The current source of HFA's is from castor which is imported. Several novel properties set lesquerella apart from castor and other oilseeds. New agricultural, value-added, non-food products unique to lesquerella will be developed through this grant that will replace petroleum-based and synthetic products, enhance the U.S. balance of trade, and promote economic opportunities in farming and rural communities.

Project Team

Isbell, Terry

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002