In a short communication published in the 2nd July issue of Crop Biotech Update, the authors have reported that they have discovered heavy metal P1B-ATPase (CsHMA3) genes in Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, popularly known as false flax. This transgenic crop is tolerant to heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and zinc and can be grown in harsh environments.

Camelina heavy metal P1B-ATPase (CsHMA3) genes were found to be expressed in all organs. The gene was then overexpressed in transgenic Camelina. Transgenic lines were found to have better root growth than wild type plants in soil  under heavy metal stress. The transgenic lines also exhibited enhanced lead tolerance. Furthermore, the lead and zinc content in the shoots of the transgenic lines were higher than wild-type plants, suggesting that over-expression of CsHMA3 might have enhanced the plants’ lead and zinc tolerance. The transgenic lines also showed a greater total seed yield compared to the wild types under heavy metal stress.

The importance of transgenic Camelina plants can hardly be underestimated in recovering heavy metal contaminated soil and reused for commercial cultivation of essential crops such as cereals, legumes and cash crops.  Data gathered from analyses will be vital in developing crops with improved productivity and also for the purpose of purifying an area contaminated by heavy metals.