Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) is important for biofuel production and as a feed ingredient for animal. However, the presence of phorbol esters in the oil and cake renders the seeds toxic. The toxicity of J. curcas oil is currently assessed by testing in animals, leading to their death. The identification of toxic and nontoxic improved varieties is important for the safe use of J. curcas se...

In the context of energy security, rural development and climate change, India actively promotes the cultivation of Jatropha curcas, a biodiesel feedstock which has been identified as suitable for achieving the Indian target of 20% biofuel blending by 2017. In this paper, we present results concerning the range of environmental impacts of different Jatropha curcas cultivation systems. Moreover,...

Jatropha is the latest in a list of “miracle crops” that have been promoted in southern Africa for their perceived development benefits. This was based on promises of high yields, low water requirement, ability to grow on marginal land and lack of competition with food. In less than 10 years, tens of thousands of hectares were acquired for jatropha plantations and thousands of hectares were pla...

The widespread acquisition of land for large-scale/commercial production of biofuel crops in Ghana has raised concerns from civil society organizations, local communities and other parties, regarding the impact of these investments on local livelihoods. This paper assessed the effect of large-scale acquisition of land for production of Jatropha curcas on farmers’ livelihoods in Ghana. The study...

Biodiesel is attracting increasing attention worldwide as a blending component or a direct replacement of petroleum diesel fuel in transport sector.The challenge to scientists and engineers is to identify appropriate feedstocks for biodiesel production. The majority of potential feedstocks are edible species which are at the centre of the “fuel versus food” debate. It is therefore imperative fo...

Abstract Methyl ester biodiesel was produced from Moringa Oleifera oil and Jatropha Curcas with the sole aim of assessing feasibility feedstocks as viable sources in Botswana. Oil extraction transesterification were carried out under identical experimental conditions for both biomass. extracted seeds through a soxhlet method using solvent, n-hexane. The then trans-esterified at 60 °C methanol/o...

the jatropha curcas l., a plant belongs to euphorbiaceae family, which has great economic and medicinally value. there is high amount of oil in seeds of this plant. because of low germination ability of seed, propagation of jatropha curcas via seed is not usual. the purpose of this work is optimizing of jatropha curcas tissue culture for optimization of callus formation and propagation through ...