Investigation of rubber seed yield in Xishuangbanna and estimation of rubber seed oil based biodiesel potential in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Rubber seed oil, derived from the seeds of the rubber tree – Hevea brasiliensis, has been shown as a viable option for biodiesel production. However, few studies have investigated the factors influencing rubber seed yield. This study evaluates rubber seed yield through in situ counting of rubber seeds from the dominant rubber tree clones (RRIM600# and GT1#) in Xishuangbanna, China. Comparisons of seed yield across tree age classes and along an elevation gradient were carried out. The rubber seed yield survey was then used as a predictor for potential rubber seed oil production, both locally and regionally, and calculates the potential biodiesel production from the rubber seed oil. The results indicate that rubber seed yield is directly linked with tree age and size, and that elevation does not affect rubber seed yield within this region. Seed yield varied greatly (3-fold) between the two cultivars studied. Furthermore, it was calculated that there is a potential production of 1.94 Mt of rubber seed oil and 1.80 Mt of biodiesel from this oil, within SE Asia (Southeast Asia).