LSU AgCenter Biotechnology Laboratory (ABL) is a unique research group composed of scientists from multiple academic departments and regional research stations of the LSU AgCenter. Plant and animal scientific disciplines are represented in the ABL.
MISSION & GOALS
ABL Mission Statement
To create superior agronomic crops and animals with enhanced disease resistance, productivity, and economic potential by the use of basic and applied genetic techniques. To foster economic partnerships between academic units, business and government agencies creating long-term economic and business opportunities to benefit Louisiana through the use of agricultural biotechnology.
Short-Term Goals
To develop disease-resistant plants and animals including fish, specifically:
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Crops with resistance to pathogenic fungi and bacteria
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Plants with resistance to the detrimental effects of parasitic nematodes and insect pests
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Aquatic animals with resistance to important bacterial pathogens
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Animals with resistance to common DNA and RNA viral pathogens
To produce pharmaceutical compounds in animals and plants such as:
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Chickens which produce valuable pharmaceutical compounds in their eggs
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Sugarcane and rice plants which produce valuable pharmaceutical compounds, industrial chemicals, and vaccines in their tissues
Long-Term Goals:
- To assist universities, businesses, and government in Louisiana to move biotechnology from the research lab to commercial products by developing beneficial partnerships among appropriate parties.
- To promote the establishment of new biotechnology businesses in Louisiana through appropriate contacts and networking of scientists, businesses, and government leaders.
- To help identify innovative biotechnology projects that have the potential to create new commercial products targeting agricultural and medical applications.
- To evaluate start-up grants for new biotech businesses that would benefit most from such investments and contribute to the foundation of a technology-based economy in Louisiana.
- To assist in coordinating state investments in agricultural biotechnology through distribution of funds to identified projects that encompass research groups, economists, lawyers and businesses.
- To promote biotech education by investment in targeted individuals starting from middle school through university via training and awareness programs.
- To educate the public about biotechnology as a leading future industry in Louisiana.