NRC's Plant Biotechnology Institute is dedicated to plant and crop research.

A Leader in Metabolic Modification

NRC-PBI is a leader in the metabolic modification of oilseeds to increase oil content and to create specialty plant oils for new markets. Investigation of metabolic pathways has also led to a significant reduction in anti-nutritional compounds in common commercial crops. In 2002, NRC-PBI embarked on a program "Crops for Enhanced Human Health". This project aims to improve and develop plants that produce natural health products as well as to produce pharmaceutical products in plants through molecular farming technologies.

                                    Platform Technologies

NRC-PBI also pursues research in platform technologies including genomics and proteomics. Our genomics programs, supported by NRC's Genomics and Health initiative and Genome Canada investigate canola seed genomics. Research on canola seed composition will help identify seeds with higher levels of valuable oils, proteins, micro-nutrients or other novel compounds and those which consist of lower levels of anti-nutritional compounds. The project will also examine genes related to seed development with the goal of identifying seeds with superior agronomic traits. NRC-PBI is also developing new plant regeneration technologies and plant transformation technologies in support of its breeding programs.

Agronomic Traits

With the aim of improving agronomic traits for Canadian growers, NRC-PBI is also investigating the mechanisms of drought tolerance and disease resistance, and developing novel approaches to improving fall seeding applications.

Services at NRC-PBI

State-of-the-Art Analytical Techniques All our research programs are supported by state-of-the-art analytical services including DNA sequencing and synthesis, mass spectrometry and NMR imaging. These services are also available to external agencies on a fee-for-service basis. Many other research organizations, locally and worldwide use these capabilities.

A Catalyst for Economic Development

Along with its role in research and development, NRC-PBI has also served as a catalyst for economic growth and development. Through close collaborative efforts with public sector organizations and industry, NRC-PBI has contributed to the emergence of Saskatoon as one of the foremost agricultural biotechnology clusters in North America. In 2004, NRC-PBI welcomed innovative new plant science companies to its Industry Partnership Facility, an incubator for small and medium sized plant biotechnology companies who wish to incubate a research program in Canada.