Jatropha Research Articles

DNA methylation and genetic study of interspecific hybridization in Jatropha curcas L.

Genetic relationship among Jatropha curcas L., J. gossypifolia L., J. integerrima Jacq ., J. podagrica Hook., J. multifida L. and Ricinus communis L. was studied using 10 AFLP primer pairs. A total of 564 DNA bands were generated and used for cluster analysis. Using UPGMA method, R. communis was clearly separated from Jatropha spp, as well as separated the Jatropha spp. into two groups. The first group comprised of J. curcas , J. integerrima and J. podagrica , whereas the second group consisted of J. multifida and J. gossypifolia . The interspecific hybridization was carried out between J. curcas and other Jatropha species. The results showed that cross between J. curcas and J. integerrima was the most successful. However, some hybrids were also obtained from J. curcas x J. podagrica and J. curcas x J. multifida . The observed ratio of female and male flowers of hybrids from J. curcas and J. integerrima were 1:9.1 to 1:14.9 which fall between two parents. Percentage of methylation in all hybrid derived from J. curcas x J. integerrima was lower than that of the parents. Principal component analysis of methylation fingerprints revealed that the pattern of DNA methylation in all hybrids from J. curcas x J. integerrima was more similar to J. curcas than J. integerrima. Meiotic cells of the hybrids from J. curcas x J. integerrima, J. curcas x J. podagrica and J. curcas x J. multifida were also studied. Majority of the cells investigated were normal. However, some abnormal tetrads were observed in some cells of hybrids.

Photosynthetic performance of Jatropha curcas fruits

Jatropha curcas (L.) trees under north Indian conditions (Lucknow) produce fruits in two major flushes, once during autumn-winter (October-December). The leaves at this time are at the senescence stages and already shedding. The second flush of fruit setting occurs during the summer (April-June) after the leaves have formed during spring (March-April). Photosynthetic performance of detached jatropha fruits was studied at three developmental stages, immature, mature and ripe fruits. Studies were made in both winter and summer fruits in response to light, temperature and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) under controlled conditions to assess the influence of these environmental factors on the photosynthetic performance of jatropha fruits. Immature fruits showed high light saturating point of around 2000μmolm(-2)s(-1). High VPD did not show an adverse effect on the fruit A. Stomatal conductance (g(s)) showed an inverse behaviour to increasing VPD, however, transpiration (E) was not restricted by the increasing VPD in both seasons. During winter in absence of leaves on the jatropha tree the fruits along with the bark contributes maximum towards photoassimilation. Dark respiration rates (R(d)) monitored in fruit coat and seeds independently, showed maximum R(d) in seeds of mature fruit and these were about five times more than its fruit coat, reflecting the higher energy requirement of the developing fruit during maximum oil synthesis stage. Photosynthesis and fluorescence parameters studied indicate that young jatropha fruits are photosynthetically as efficient as its leaves and play a paramount role in scavenging the high concentration of CO(2) generated by the fruit during respiration.

Antimicrobial activities and phytochemical screening of pignut (Jatrophas curcas Linn.) on some pathogenic bacteria

The use of antimicrobial agents for the control of pathogenic bacteria is helpful in the treatment of infections and diseases. Hence, there is need to investigate the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts that have not been done. The ethanolic extracts of the leaf and bark of Jatrophas curcas Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) were tested for antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysenteriae by agar well diffusion method. The ethanolic extracts inhibited the above pathogenic bacteria with zones of inhibition ranging from 30.6 to 38.5 mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 2.2 to 10.0 mm. The leaf and bark extracts of J. curcas have high concentration of tannin, saponin, flavonoid, steroid, alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, anthraquinone and terpenoid. The ability of the ethanolic extracts of the leaf and bark of J. curcas to inhibit growth of the test bacteria is an indication of its antimicrobial potency which may be employed in treatment of microbial infections.

Biodiesel: the Alternative Fuel for New Era

The economic development of any developing country depends on its self-reliance in energy needs. The current energy requirement of the country necessitates search for alternative renewable resources also which are renewable safe and non-polluting. The souring of alternative renewable resources also gains to most priority in view of uncertain suppliers and frequent like in price of crude oil in the international market. In recent times, the world has been confronted with an energy crisis due to depletion of resources and increased environmental problems. The situation has led to the search for an alternative fuel, which should be not only sustainable but also environmental problems. The situation has led to the search for an alternative fuel, which should be not only sustainable but also environment friendly. This alternative diesel fuel can be termed as bio-diesel. This fuel is biodegradable and non-toxic and has low emission profiles as compared to petroleum diesel. This fuel is biodegradable and non-toxic and has low emission profiles as compared to petroleum diesel. The study based on secondary data and the study aimed to attempt the environmental impact of Biodiesel and the cost of cultivation for jatropha in Salem district Tamil Nadu.

Occurrence of storage fungi in jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) seeds.

Atropha is a potential source for production of bio-diesel and an alternative source for fossil fuels. The present study is undertaken for the analysis of storage fungi and its biodiversity in Jatropha seed samples collected from local market and research institutes in Chennai. Standard plating technique was used to study the growth of storage fungi in seeds stored for 12 to 60 months by using selective media called osmophilic media. The analysis of storage fungi in seeds with different treatments to observe as (1) surface mycoflora (2) surface invaders (3) internal fungi (4) kernel fungi. The results show that, the occurrence of different species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Mucor species was the dominant mycoflora even from interior portion of the seeds. Among the species of storage fungi encountered, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus glaucus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium species were frequently present in the order of dominance. Mucor and Rhizhopus also occur constantly in all the samples. The higher contamination of seeds with storage fungi indicates the possibility of quality losses particularly in lipid, which may affect the quality of bio-diesel. Among the different strains of A. flavus, few were found to produce aflatoxin B1. The spoilage of lipids by the named fungi, may affect the quality of bio-diesel. This study will create awareness of fungal spoilage on biodiesel seeds and for remedy to prevent the storage losses by microorganisms. Key words: Storage fungi, Jatropha seeds, Aspergillus spp., Penicillum spp., Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp., Biodiesel, storage losses, aflatoxin.

Biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas: A review

Biodiesel has attracted considerable attention during the past decade as a renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic fuel alternative to fossil fuels. Biodiesel can be obtained from vegetable oils (both edible and non-edible) and from animal fat. Jatropha curcas Linnaeus, a multipurpose plant, contains high amount of oil in its seeds which can be converted to biodiesel. J. curcas is probably the most highly promoted oilseed crop at present in the world. The availability and sustainability of sufficient supplies of less expensive feedstock in the form of vegetable oils, particularly J. curcas and efficient processing technology to biodiesel will be crucial determinants of delivering a competitive biodiesel. Oil contents, physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition of J. curcas reported in literature are provided in this review. The fuel properties of Jatropha biodiesel are comparable to those of fossil diesel and confirm to the American and European standards. The objective of this review is to give an update on the J. curcas L. plant, the production of biodiesel from the seed oil and research attempts to improve the technology of converting vegetable oil to biodiesel and the fuel properties of the Jatropha biodiesel. The technological methods that can be used to produce biodiesel are presented together with their advantages and disadvantages. The use of lipase as biotechnological solution to alkali and acid catalysis of transesterification and its advantages is discussed. There is need to carry out research on the detoxification of the seed cake to increase the benefits from J. curcas. There is also need to carry out life-cycle assessment and the environment impacts of introducing large scale plantations. There is also still a dearth of research about the influence of various cultivation-related factors and their interactions and influence on seed yield. Many other areas that need to be researched on J. curcas L. are pointed out in this review. Key words: Biodiesel, transesterification, Jatropha curcas, fuel properties, vegetable oil.

Plant species diversity on marginal and degraded areas for Jatropha curcas L. cultivation in Malawi.

This study examined plant species diversity on marginal and degraded land earmarked for cultivation of Jatropha curcas. A rapid biodiversity assessment of plant species was conducted using visual encounter survey on patches of degraded fallow land and uncultivated marginal areas within commercial and subsistence agricultural landscapes. Measures of species diversity and richness were assessed using Shannon-Wiener Index (H´) and Simpson’s (D´) indices to assess the effect of intensified cultivation on biodiversity. Results indicate that cultivation and intensified farming significantly influenced floristic composition within agricultural landscapes. Fallow areas were floristically rich in herbaceous plants that are adapted to frequently disturbed sites but poor in trees as opposed to uncultivated areas. Uncultivated areas recorded some endangered species including high value Pterocarpus angolensis. J. curcas cultivation should concentrate on degraded fallow areas as they contain species that are adapted to frequent disturbance while uncultivated areas within agricultural landscapes that have higher potential for conservation of indigenous woody species should be spared as village conservation sites. Key words: Jatropha curcas, species diversity, village conservation areas.

Lifecycle Duration and Maturity Heterogeneity of Jatropha curcas Linn

Jatropha is new oilseed crop and little is known about its reproductive characters. Therefore this study was conducted with the main objective to determine the lifecycle duration of Jatropha fruits from seeding to appearance of buds, fruit set, physiologically matured, ripening and senescence. To obtain more information on the fruit maturity, fruit maturity uniformity in seven local jatropha accessions was studied. During the study it was observed that Jatropha start to bear a flower after 90 to 120 days of seeding. The study also showed a wide variation in days to physiologically maturity of fruit, ripening and senescence. This crop showed indeterminate characteristics with fruits maturing at the bottom of the stem while buds developed at the top of the plants. Results of this study demonstrate that Jatropha is an indeterminate crop, which requires careful harvest and postharvest handling to increase harvestable fruits and therefore could reduce harvesting cost.

PUTILIZATION OF PETROCK OIL AS ALTERNATIVE FUEL MACHINES DIESEL

This study aims to determine the characteristics of jatropha oil biodiesel, both in terms of physics and chemistry. Biodiesel is attempted to be used as a diesel fuel substitute for diesel motors. Further analyzed differences in the performance of diesel motors when using jatropha oil biodiesel fuel and when using diesel. In its implementation, this research begins by examining jatropha oil biodiesel characteristics physically and chemically. Once tested its characteristics, the fuel is used directly on diesel engines to measure opacity, torque, power, and the amount of fuel consumption and then compared with the use of diesel fuel. The comparison analysis of jatropha oil and diesel biodiesel characteristics was all submitted to UGM Chemical Engineering Laboratory. Furthermore, for the measurement of exhaust emissions, torque, power, and fuel consumption is submitted to the Energy Conversion Laboratory of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department of FT UGM. Based on the analysis of fuel characteristics, it is found that biodiesel developed as diesel engine fuel derived from jatropa oil (Jatropa Curcas L.) has the same characteristics even on some items that is on the analysis of heating value has better characteristics compared with diesel. The amount of exhaust emissions in the form of the concentration of smoke (opacity) has the greatest decrease, ie the average decrease obtained by 82%, with the best mixture at fraction of 20% .The magnitude of torque resulting from jatropha oil biodiesel testing after compared with diesel at various fractions of the mixture obtained results that the resulting torque increased by an average of 19%. The highest torque was obtained in 20% biodiesel mixture. Furthermore, the amount of power generated from the biodiesel usage of the engine produces a rise in power in the shaft at various rpm variations, and the fraction of the biodiesel mixture has an average power increase of 19%, with the highest power being obtained in the 20% mixture. Fuel consumption for Jatropha curcas biodiesel experienced an average decrease of 24.2% with the best fraction obtained in the 20% mixed fraction.

Biodiesel Preparation from Jatropha Seeds by Enzymatic Reactive Reaction and Dimethyl Carbonate

Biodiesel is a fuel generally consisting of a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) which is used as alternative or in combination with petroleum diesel for its environmental benefits. Biodiesel prepared by enzymatic catalyzed reactive reaction (in–situ extraction and transesterification) has become of much current interest for alternative fuel production. A novel biodiesel-like material was developed by reacting Jatropha curcas grinded seeds with dimethyl carbonate (DMC), which avoided the co-production of glycerol. In the present study three different Lipases, Lipase immobilized from Candida Antrctica, Hog pancreas Lipase and locally prepared lipase from fungal strain source (Asperigillus niger), were screend for the reactive reaction of Jatropha Seeds in (DMC) to produce biodiesel with novel characteristics. The maximum rate of conversion for biodiesel productions were obtained from Lipase immobilized which after eight hours reaction reached 90.1%. Hog pancrease Lipase enzymatic reactive reaction gives 76.26% biodiesel content in eight hours, while fungus lipase produced 72.59 % biodiesel content for the same time reaction. The reusability test indicated that Lipase immobilized has the most stable activity through three cycles but Hog Lipase retained 77.98% of its initial activity through three cycles at the same conditions. The important parameters like reaction temperature, reaction time, enzyme load and effect of reusability of enzymes with and without regeneration were studied. The prepared biodiesel content and purity were studied by the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Infrared (IR) spectrum High Perphormance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and colorimetric determinations for triglycerides retained. Valuable antioxidants were obtained through the reaction and their activity was determined. The thermogravimetric analysis was used for studying and comparing the thermal properties of Bio-lipase(s). From the calculated enthalpy the fungal lipase gave the highest heat followed by> Bio-immobilized lipase > Bio-Hog Lipase

Biodiesel preparation using Jatropha oil by ultrasonic and nanometer catalysts.

Biodiesel preparation using Jatropha oil by ultrasonic and nanometer catalysts.

Broiler performance fed jatropha curcas seed meal detoxified by fermentation, physic and chemical treatments.

Utilization of jatropha seed meal as a feed ingredient is limited by the presence of several anti nutritive and toxic compounds in the seed meal. The aim of this research is to evaluate feeding of jatropha seed meal detoxified using fermentation by two fungi and rumen microbes (as biological detoxification) and using a combination of chemical and physical treatments on broiler performance. One hundred seventy five chicks (7 days old) were used and were divided into 5 treatments in 7 replications and each replication in one cage consisted of 5 chicks. R1 was control feed (K) without jatropha seed meal., 2) R2 was feed with 4% of Jatropha seed meal fermented by Neurosphora sitophila (FNS), R3 was feed with 4% of Jatropha seed meal fermented by Aspergillus oryzae (FAS), R4 was feed with 4% of Jatropha seed meal fermented by rumen microbes and R5 with 4% of Jatropha seed meal treated by autoclaved, refluxed by hexane and soaked in methanol (OEHM). Treated feed was given for 14 days at the end of the feeding treatment, two chickens from each replication were slaughtered and organ weights were recorded. Body weight of chicken and feed conversion ratio were calculated. The rest of the chicken was fed commercial feed for the next 7 days (recovery periode). Chicken mortality was almost 0% but 1 chicken from FAS treatment died at the recovery period. Feed consumption was lower at fermented jatropha seed meal than control (K) or OEHM, resulted in lower body weight of chicken. The abdomen fat weight and organ weights especially pancreas or spleen resulted from treatment with jatropha were much lower than that of K. In the recovery period, body weight of chicken in the OEHM treatment was almost similar from that of control chicken. In conclusion, biological detoxification on BBJ was able to reduce chicken mortality but could not improve the daily gain higher than control treatment. The best method to detoxify jatropha seed meal was the combination of physical and chemical treatment (using autoclave, followed by hexane and methanol extractions). Key Words : Broilers, Jatropha Seed Meal, Detoxification, Fermentation

PENGARUH NAUNGAN DAN LAMA PENYIMPANAN STEK PADA PERTUMBUHAN JARAK PAGAR (Jatropha curcas L.) DAN JARAK MERAH ( Jatropha gossypiifolia L.)

There are two species of Jatropha in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), i.e. physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) and red jatropha or cotton leaved physic nut (1. gossypilfolia L). Both species possess potency as traditional medicine. Propagating jatropha by seeds could not be conducted throughout the year because the seeds were produced on certain time only. On dry season in 2005, a research had conducted in Teun Village, Belu Regency, NTT for studying the effect of shading and cutting storage on the growth of the two jatropha species. This research had 12 treatments with two replications and employed Factorial Experimental Design. The data were processed by SAS (Statistic Analysis System) program. The result of this research showed that the growth of physic nut better than that of red jatropha. Light shading stimulated the growth of buds, leaves and roots of cutting of jatropha on 60 days after planting. No significant was found in the growth of buds, leaves and roots of cutting of jatropha that were directly planted and stored for four days. Cutting of both species that stored for four days and placed under light shading (with 70% of light intensity) produced higher bud growth and root length than those placed under dense shading (with 30% of light intensity).

Possibility to Reduce Drudgery and Time in Harvesting Individual Ripe Fruits of Jatropha curcas Linn by Whole Bunch Harvesting

A study was conducted to determine Jatropha fruits ripening uniformity on its tree and bunches characteristics. To get more information about its ripening off, the tree characteristics a respiration pattern was determined. The data were collected on fi trees for each ten selected accessions (n=50) for fruit ripening uniformity on its trees study and fi fteen bunches for each seven selected accessions (n=105) for fruits bunches ripening uniformity study at two jatropha pilot projects at Sabah state of Malaysia at the end of March 2009 when the trees were exactly one year old. This study confi rmed that heterogeneous ripening occured in all jatropha accessions and within individual jatropha bunches. Respiration tests confi rmed that jatropha is a climacteric fruit. The results showed an upsur ge in CO 2 p r oduction at the end of ripening and at the beginning of senescence. This study has revealed indications of the possibility to harvest jatropha fruit in bunches rather than harvesting individual ripe fruit, which could potentially improve harvest effi ciency by reducing harvesting time and drudgery.

Antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from residues of nodes leaves stem and root of Egyptian Jatropha curcas

The Egyptian Jatropha crop has been studied for antioxidant activity in ethanol extracts from roots, stem, leaves and nodes. The radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extracts was evaluated with the stable diphenylpicryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The antioxidant capacity of the studied organs have been revealed the roots and stem were the strongest in all tests followed by leaves and nodes were the least. All the extracts showed radical scavenging activity. Roots crud extract showed IC50 = 0.521 mg/ml. The presence of phenolic compounds and tannins were screened by Folin-Ciocalteau assay, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Ms/MSn and X-rays diffraction. The reduction power of ethanolic extracts was assayed too. This study suggested the Egyptian Jatropha curcas roots and stem are possible sources of natural radical scavengers. Key words: Jatropha curcas, antioxidant activity, DPPH assay, phenolic compounds, HPLC determination, Msn – determination.

Biomethanation potential of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) cake along with buffalo dung

A laboratory experiment was conducted to find out the biomethanation potential of dried and powdered Jatropha cake along with buffalo dung at 6% total solids. The experiment was run on daily feeding basis in five litre capacity glass digesters for 180 days. Biogas production was recorded at 24 h interval. Quality of biogas and nutritive value of effluent slurry was also determined. Results show significantly higher (139.20%) biogas production in test (Jatropha cake + Buffalo dung) over control (Buffalo dung only) digesters with methane content of 71.74%. Nutritive value of effluent slurry of test digester was significantly higher in terms of available nitrogen and potassium; calcium; magnesium and carbonate contents than that of control digesters. Co-digestion results in 92.94% decrease in chemical oxygen demand. Key words: Biomethanation, Jatropha cake, buffalo dung, co-digestion.

Design, development and testing of hand-operated decorticator for Jatropha fruit

Jatropha fruit, presently dehulled manually in the absence of a suitable mechanical device. Manual decortications of Jatropha fruit for the purpose of extracting seeds is a time consuming and tedious operation. A small, continuous, hand-operated machine, specially designed and constructed for decortications of Jatropha fruits has been done and evaluated for performance parameters. The major components of the machine are the frame, hopper, decorticating chamber, concave sieve, rotating blades, discharge outlet and a vibrating separator with sieve to separate seed and shell. The performance parameters of the machine including Percentage of whole seed, broken seed, partially shelled fruit, unshelled fruit, machine efficiency and decortications efficiency, were evaluated at four different moisture content (7.97%, 10.53%, 13.09% and 15.65% d.b.) with a combinations of concave clearance (18 mm, 21 mm, 24 mm and 27 mm) between concave sieve and rotating blades. The best set of conditions under which the decorticator can be operated is at fruit moisture content of 7.97% d.b. with concave clearance of 21 mm between the concave and the blade at which the maximum whole seeds of 67.94% can be achieved and machine efficiency of 90.96% can be obtained. All materials used for fabricating the components were brought from sourced locally. This design is preferred, because of its rapid operation, low human-energy expenditure, low breakage factor for the seed as well as relatively little dust being emitted during shelling; hence leading to a relatively-healthier local atmosphere for the operator.

Prospects for Biodiesel Production from Jatropha Curcas: A Case Study of Bangladesh Agricultural University Farm

In this article, we analyzed the prospects for biodiesel production of Jatropha curcas. This study took place at Bangladesh Agricultural University farm in the Mymensingh district from October 2006 to November 2007. Branch cuttings, collected from mother plants in the Modhupur forest area of Tangail district, were planted in pits on October 2006. Our measurements then focused on plant growth, flowers per plant, fruits per plant, seeds per plant, and the physical characteristics of the Jatropha fruit. The efficiency of oil extraction from the Jatropha seed was compared between chemical and mechanical methods. The results indicated that the former approach was more effective despite its high cost. The percentage of oil content in the Jatropha seed was estimated at almost 36 wt%. Although Jatropha curcas can be utilized as a new cash crop, more research is needed to account for its potential as a biodiesel fuel.

Experimental investigations on jatropha biodiesel and additive in diesel engine

The performance of single cylinder water-cooled diesel engine using Multi-DM-32 diesel additive and methyl-ester of Jatropha oil as the fuel was evaluated for its performance and exhaust emissions. The fuel properties of biodiesel such as kinematic viscosity, calorific value, flash point, carbon residue and specific gravity were found. Results indicated that B25 have closer performance to diesel and B100 had lower brake thermal efficiency mainly due to its high viscosity compared to diesel. The brake thermal efficiency for biodiesel and its blends was found to be slightly higher than that of diesel fuel at tested load conditions and there was no difference between the biodiesel and its blended fuels efficiencies. For Jatropha biodiesel and its blended fuels, the exhaust gas temperature increased with increase in power and amount of biodiesel. However, its diesel blends showed reasonable efficiencies, lower smoke, CO 2 and CO. Multi- DM-32 additive with methyl ester of Jatropha offer fuel conservation as well as reduce pollution.

Biogas Potentiality of Agro-wastes Jatropha Fruit Coat

Abstract — The present investigation was undertaken to explore the biogas potentiality of Jatropha ( Jatropha curcas , Euphorbiaceae) Fruit Coat (JFC) alone and in combination with cattle dung (CD) in various proportions at 15 per cent total solids by batch phase anaerobic digestion for a period of ten weeks HRT (Hydraulic Retention Time) under a temperature of 35 o C+1 o C. The maximum biogas production was noticed in Cattle dung and Jatropha Fruit Coat in 2:1 ratio with 403.84 L/kg dry matter followed by 3:1,1:2, 1:1 and 1:3 having 329.66, 219.77, 217.79, 203.64 L /kg dm respectively as compared to 178.49 L/kg dm in CD alone. The JFC alone found to produce 91 per cent of total biogas that obtained from Cattle dung. The per cent methane content of the biogas in all the treatments was found on par with Cattle dung. Keywords — Jatropha Fruit Coat, Cattle dung, Hydraulic Retention Time, Dry matter I. I NTRODUCTION ETHANE production from biomass is an interesting option for increasing the energy independence and efficient waste management. The animal wastes with their relatively low carbon to nitrogen ratios, improved for digestion purposes by adding cellulosic wastes such as crop residues, grasses, straw, etc beside feed density [1]. The knowledge on the conversion of substrates other than the traditionally used cattle dung for biogas production is insufficient [2].