Possibilities for Reducing Gum Content in Ramie, the Strongest and Finest Bast Fibre by Genetic Modification of Pectin Biosynthesis Pathway

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud.) is the finest and strongest plant fibre crop. The fibre contains a high percentage (2030%) of pectic colloidal substances (gum) which needs to be removed through chemical/microbial process known as degumming. Degumming reduces fibre quality, increases cost and produces biohazardous wastes. Development of low pectin ramie genotypes is a robust solution to increase ramie cultivation, fibre productivity and quality. However, this crop remained as orphan to geneticist and biochemists. There is no linkage map, genome information or detailed report on pectin biosynthesis pathway in ramie. However, genes involved in pectin biosynthesis have been identified in other crops. Identification of key genes involved in pectin biosynthesis in ramie by utilizing genomic information from heterologous sources seems to be a robust approach in gene identification and pathway characterization in ramie.