Molecular Mechanisms of the Floral Biology of s: Opportunities and Challenges as an Energy Crop.

Fossil fuel sources are a limited resource and could eventually be depleted. Biofuels have emerged as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. has grown in significance as a potential bioenergy crop due to its high content of seed oil. However, 's lack of high-yielding seed genotypes limits its potential use for biofuel production. The main cause of lower seed yield is the low female to male flower ratio (1:25-10), which affects the total amount of seeds produced per plant. Here, we review the genetic factors responsible for floral transitions, floral organ development, and regulated gene products in . We also summarize potential gene targets to increase seed production and discuss challenges ahead.