Potential of Jatropha curcas as a source of renewable oil and animal feed.
Jatropha curcas (L.) is a perennial plant of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Recently, it has received much attention as a potential source of vegetable oil as a replacement for petroleum, and, in particular, the production of biodiesel. Despite the interest that is being shown in the large-scale cultivation of J. curcas, genetic resources remain poorly characterized and conserved and there has been very little plant breeding for improved traits. At present, the varieties being used to establish plantations in Africa and Asia are inedible. The meal obtained after the extraction of oil cannot, therefore, be used as a source of animal feed. Naturally existing edible varieties are, however, known to occur in Mexico. The toxic components of J. curcas seeds, the potential for plant breeding to generate improved varieties, and the suitability of J. curcas oil as a feedstock for biodiesel production are discussed.
King
Andrew J
AJ
Department of Biology, Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5YW, UK, USA.
He
Wei
W
Cuevas
Jesús A
JA
Freudenberger
Mark
M
Ramiaramanana
Danièle
D
Graham
Ian A
IA
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D001709:Biotechnology; D001947:Breeding; D004736:Energy-Generating Resources; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D031286:Jatropha / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics
D005227:Fatty Acids