To produce opium poppy plants with enhanced levels of morphinoid alkaloids by transferring genes for rate limiting steps in the biosynthetic pathway. The fear of bloat is the main impediment to the adoption of highly productive lucerne and clover pastures. Tannin producing white clover and lucerne will also have better by-pass protein qualities, which could boost dairy and beef productivity. Opium poppy is the basis of a major industry in Tasmania. There is little opportunity to expand the area sown to poppy.
Genetic improvement is seen as the only practical route to increased production.
Yields of morphine and related alkaloids will be increased by enhancing the expression of rate-limiting enzymes. To improve pasture quality by introducing genes for herbicide tolerance and sulfur-rich proteins into the genome of clover. To develop grain legumes which are resistant to insect pests or fungal diseases or which have improved amino acid composition in their seed protein. To investigate changes in transgenic seed composition arising from manipulation of sulfur sinks. To use engineered albumins to alter the water absorption properties of wheat flour.