Genetic variability among the Jatropha curcas L. populations in the Brazilian savannah and oil quality for the biodiesel production

• Grant number: 08/02574-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2008
• End date: January 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Plant Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Sonia Marli Zingaretti
• Grantee: Sonia Marli Zingaretti
• Host Institution: Universidade de Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP). Campus Ribeirão Preto. Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Jatropha curcas known as pinhão manso, a plant that belongs to the family of the Euphorbiaceas, is been considered as a possible agricultural alternative to the Brazilian northeast region. Its characteristics of rusticity, high adaptability and little nutritional demand in terms of soil quality, together with the large productive capacity of seeds that produce oil make the pinhão a promissory material for the production of biodiesel. To a complete settlement and efficient utilization of Jatropha oil for the production of biodiesel it becomes necessary a study of the genetic variability of plant populations, spread along the Brazilian regions of savannah, as well as the characterization of the composition of its oil. This knowledge might provide a larger standardization in the proceedings after the planting, collection and extraction and oil treatment for the production of biofuel. (AU)