Introduction 

The Biology Research Division undertakes research activities, which are implemented by three units: Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre (ABBC), Crop Production and Management (CPM) Unit, and Smallholders Development and Technology Transfer (SDTT) Unit.

The ABBC was officially established in November 2000 and it was formerly known as the Plant Science and Biotechnology Unit.

The mission of the ABBC is to provide the Malaysian oil palm industry with improved and novel planting materials and services through R&D in breeding and biotechnology. The Unit operates through six groups, namely Metabolics, Gene Expresion, Transformation, Genomics, Tissue Culture and Breeding and Genetics. The Unit drives forward new research areas that profit from multi disciplinary approaches.

Recent advances in biotechnology, especially in the areas of genomics and genetic engineering, have opened opportunities and expedited progress in crop improvement.

Genomic tools are being developed to enhance the speed and precision of breeding for improved oil palm varieties. The tools and techniques of genetic engineering are being developed to channel the inherent high productivity of the oil palm towards value-added products. These include high oleate and high stearate oil, bioplastics, nutraceuticals and industrial oils.

Tissue culture research is conducted with the view to using this technique both as a means of producing transgenic oil palm and as a tool for the propagation of elite plants.

An important element of a comprehensive strategy for biotechnology is collaboration. The unit has formed strategic alliances through contract and collaborative research with international and national centres of excellence.

Mission

The mission of the ABBC is to provide the Malaysian oil palm industry with improved and novel planting materials and services through R&D in breeding and biotechnology.

Objectives

• Generation of knowledge through basic research in oil palm biochemistry and molecular studies

   

• Application of basic knowledge for development of model  for oil palm metabolism