Improving stress tolerance in the bioenergy crop switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) by investigating and engineering terpene metabolic networks

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The Poaceous crop switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is of agroeconomic value as a dedicated next-generation feedstock for lignocellulosic biofuel production. High net energy yield and a wide habitat range make switchgrass suitable for cultivation on marginal lands with reduced agricultural inputs, promising sustainable biofuel production. However, rising drought and other environmental pressures are projected to become major impediments for expanded switchgrass cultivation. A deeper knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that govern switchgrass environmental adaptation would offer critical resources for optimizing crop productivity. Dynamic networks of species-specific terpenes serve as key components of switchgrass abiotic stress tolerance, knowledge of which can be harnessed through precision genome engineering to generate crops that are more resistant to stress and provide advanced biofuel production. Using a genomics-enabled platform for the rapid discovery of terpene metabolic networks, large and functionally diverse terpene-metabolic gene families have been identified in switchgrass. Preliminary studies further demonstrated stress-elicited up-regulation of terpene pathways, supporting a role in switchgrass stress defenses. Leveraging these results, this project merges genome-wide enzyme discovery with system-wide omics, mechanistic and bioactivity studies to define the biosynthetic network and protective roles of switchgrass terpene metabolism. This insight can facilitate targeted genome engineering to design plants with tailored terpene blends for enhanced resilience and biofuel production from biomass feedstock.