Non-edible Oilseed Research Articles

Seed priming - induced drought tolerance in Castor: Unravelling the physiological and molecular mechanisms

Castor is an essential nonedible oilseed crop with significant applications in the cosmetic and chemical industries. It is cultivated primarily in rainfed regions, where drought is a common abiotic stress factor. Seed germination, the critical initial stage, is particularly affected by drought. Seed priming with radical scavenging chemicals such as salicylic acid, melatonin, hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid has been explored to increase germination under water deficit conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of these chemicals on the physiological and antioxidant enzyme activities of castor under drought stress. Two water regimes were applied in the study. Among the treatments, seed priming with 80 ppm salicylic acid significantly improved key parameters, including the germination % (71 %), speed of germination (4.1 %), vigour index (3141), chlorophyll content (28.3 SPAD units) and relative water content (63 %). It also increased the antioxidant enzyme activities such as CAT, POD, SOD and APX, along with the overexpression of the drought-responsive gene RCECP63 under water deficit conditions. These findings highlight that seed priming, particularly with salicylic acid, offers a promising strategy to enhance castor resilience under prolonged drought stress, providing a practical approach for improving crop performance in drought-prone regions.

Integrating environmental remediation with biodiesel production from toxic non-edible oil seeds (Croton bonplandianus) using a sustainable phyto-nano catalyst

In the current situation of the environmental uprising toxicology, rising global temperature, and energy-depleting urges to explore and discover more renewable and greener ecological-benefiting energy resources. Biobased renewable fuels generated by using waste products can help in waste management, climate change mitigation, and a low-carbon future. The main objective of this research is to produce environment-friendly and cost-effective biofuel. The potentiality of the novel, toxic, waste, and inedible feedstock Croton bonplandianus was evaluated for biodiesel synthesis through transesterification utilizing a Phyto-nano catalyst of potassium oxide prepared by Croton bonplandianus floral stalk's aqueous extract focusing on waste management. Phyto-nano catalyst characterization was done through innovative tools such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Zeta Potential (ZP), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS). The characterization results revealed that the potassium oxide phyto-nanocatalyst possesses an average nanoparticle size of 44.5 nm. This size is optimal for enhanced catalytic activity, indicating significant potential for efficient catalysis. The highest yield (94 %) of biodiesel was secured at optimized reaction conditions of catalyst quantity (0.50 wt%), reaction time (180 min), methanol: oil ratio (9:1), and reaction thermal point (70 °C). Transformation of triglycerides to methyl esters was confirmed by GC/MS, NMR, and FTIR techniques. A total of 21 methyl esters were observed in Croton bonplandianus biodiesel confirmed via GC/MS results. Evaluation of fuel properties was done and matched with international fuel standards. The conclusive remarks for the conducted research are that Croton bonplandianus has a high potential for biodiesel production by applying Phyto-nanocatalysts of potassium oxide while dealing with hazardous environmental conditions and waste management. Phyto nanocatalyst of potassium oxide can be reused and gives the same yield after several cycles of reusability, this reusability of heterogenous Phyto nanocatalyst can reduce to total cost of biodiesel production and can contribute towards circular economy.

Screening of Castor Germplasm and Efficacy Studies of Bioagents and Fungicides Against Botryotinia ricini (Godfrey) Whetzel

Castor is an important non-edible oilseed crop having exceptional oil characteristics for the chemical industry. The crop hosts several diseases, among them gray mold is the most destructive one hindering its productivity. This article presents a study assessing the resistance of different germplasm lines screened against Botrytis ricini under artificial conditions. It also examines the effect of various fungicides on B. ricini isolates, which were obtained from infected Ricinus communis (castor oil plant) using standard tissue isolation techniques. The fungus was isolated from infected Castor raceme by standard tissue isolation technique and its pathogenicity was established by proving Koch’s postulates. Out of 47 germplasm lines screened, TSIL-19 showed resistance response to gray mold under both detached spike and capsule method. Under in vitro assessment, Trichoderma viride (86.11 %) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (71.48 %) bio agents exhibited maximum mycelial growth inhibition of the pathogen. Among the seven combination fungicides evaluated, Fenamidone 10% + Mancozeb 50% WG recorded highest mycelial growth inhibition (100%) of B. ricini.

Special Issue “Pretreatment and Bioconversion of Crop Residues II”—Introduction to the Collection

Bioconversion in biorefineries is a way to valorize residues from agriculture and food processing. Pretreatment is an important step in the bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials, including crop residues. This Special Issue includes nine articles on several pretreatment and bioconversion approaches applied to different agricultural residues and food-processing by-products. The materials addressed in this collection cover straw from wheat, rye, and miscanthus, olive tree pruning residue, almond shells and husks, avocado waste, sweet sorghum bagasse, soybean meal, and residues of non-edible oilseeds.

Green synthesis of highly active and recyclable chromium oxide nanocatalyst for biodiesel production from novel nonedible oil seeds

AbstractThis study explores the sustainable production of biodiesel from nonedible Phyllanthus maderaspatensis seed oil (highest oil content of 35%, FFA 0.87 mg/KOH), utilizing an innovative green synthesis approach for chromium oxide nanoparticles derived from the waste fruit parts of Aubergine for the very first time in the current work. In pursuit of alternatives to fossil fuels, our research underscores the environmental and socio‐economic benefits of biofuels, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The optimized process yielded a 92% biodiesel conversion under conditions of a 9:1 methanol‐to‐oil ratio, 0.135 wt.% catalyst concentration, and a reaction duration of 150 min at 80°C. Comprehensive analysis techniques, including XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, Zeta analysis, differential reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), GC–MS, and NMR (1H, 13C), were employed to characterize the synthesized nanocatalyst and biodiesel product. The biodiesel's fuel properties, such as acid value, fire point, pour point, viscosity, kinematic density, sulfur content, and cloud point, were rigorously tested, demonstrating compliance with international standards (ASTM D‐6571, EN 14214, and GB/T 20828‐2007). The use of P. maderaspatensis seed oil, an economical and environmentally friendly feedstock, in conjunction with a cost‐effective nanocatalyst, presents a viable pathway for the sustainable and scalable production of biodiesel. This study contributes to the advancement of bioproducts for a sustainable bioeconomy by demonstrating an integrated approach to bioenergy production that leverages biotechnological innovations and addresses both environmental and socio‐economic dimensions.

Unleashing the power of non-edible oil seeds of Ipomoea cairica for cleaner and sustainable biodiesel production using green Molybdenum Oxide (MoO3) nano catalyst

This research aims to conduct a thorough analysis of the novel and cost-effective use of Ipomoea cairica L. seeds as a potential feedstock for green energy technologies. Ipomoea cairica L. seeds (42 % oil, 0.67 % free fatty acid content) were used as a promising source for producing sustainable biodiesel using novel green Molybdenum Oxide (MoO3) nanocatalyst. The Ipomoea cairica seeds utilized in this study serve a dual purpose: they provide feedstock for the future energy mix, and their seed shells (considered waste) are used as a starting material for synthesizing green nanocatalysts. The highest biodiesel yield of 95 % was achieved under optimal reaction conditions of 1:15 oil to methanol molar ratio, 50 °C, 120 min, and 0.4 (wt.%) catalyst loading. In order to evaluate the quality and characteristics of the resultant biodiesel and synthesized nanocatalyst, a detailed examination was conducted utilizing analytical techniques such EDX, XRD, FTIR, SEM, NMR (1H, 13C) and GC–MS analysis. The phytofabricated nanocatalyst unveils highest recyclability (up to 5 cycles), reactivity, stability and efficiency during transesterification operations. The produced biodiesel was also optimized using response surface methodology (Box-Behnken Design). When compared to conventional diesel, the biodiesel made from Ipomoea cairica L. seed oilshowed better oxidative stability and reduced viscosity, suggesting that it might be a viable replacement for conventional fuel without compromising engine performance. Moreover, using untamed, uncultivated, and non-edible seed plants to produce biodiesel presents a chance to move toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy plan.

Sustainable synthesis of bio-diesel and jet-fuel range hydrocarbons from poisonous Abrus Precatorius seed oil over MoO3-HPW/Ga-KIT-6

Energy problems and environmental deterioration can be combated by renewable biodiesel production from poisonous, waste, and non-edible oil seeds. Molybdenum oxide and phosphotungstic acid were impregnated into gallium-incorporated KIT-6 mesoporous silica employing a hydrothermal technique, to construct MoO3-HPW/Ga-KIT-6 catalyst. Abrus precatorius (Rosary Pea) seeds were utilized to extract non-edible oil, which was then submitted to a catalytic reaction with freshly prepared MoO3-HPW/Ga-KIT-6 for the synthesis of eco-friendly bio-diesel. An optimal biodiesel yield of 100% was reached from Abrus precatorius oil using MoO3(5)-HPW(10)/Ga (20)-KIT-6 catalyst at 6:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 100 °C and 3 h reaction time. Oleic, linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, arachidic, and behenic acids were esterified under ideal conditions, and the 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed the result was an isolated methyl ester. Additionally, MoO3(5)-HPW(10)/Ga(20)-KIT-6 catalyst have been effectively produced C16–C18 range jet fuels from Abrus precatorius seed oil (APSO) and Abrus oil methyl ester (AOME) through the hydrodeoxygenation route at 400 °C, WHSV 2.7 h−1, 40 bar H2 pressure (62% of C18H38) and 400 °C, WHSV 1.8 h−1, 30 bar H2 pressure (67% of C18H38) respectively. The high dispersion of molybdenum and HPW on the Ga/KIT-6 catalyst and the more acidic centers, which promote the selectivity of the biodiesel and jet-fuel range hydrocarbons (JFRH), are credited with the good catalytic performance; this was demonstrated by HR-TEM and NH3-TPD (341 μmol/g) analyses.

Screening of castor hybrids and their parents against wilt disease

Castor is an industrially important non-edible oilseed crop widely cultivated in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini) disease has become a serious problem in India, though wilt resistant hybrids viz., GCH-4, GCH-5, GCH-7, GCH-8, GCH-9 and GCH 10 have been released. So investigation on screening of castor hybrids and their parents against wilt disease was undertaken under poly house conditions. The results revealed that out of six, three parent's viz., SKP-84, JI-368 and 48-1 were resistant, while two hybrids i.e. SKP-84 x JI- 368 and GEETA x SH-72 were found resistant to wilt disease. Parent GEETA found moderately resistant, whereas susceptibility for the disease was observed in parents viz., VP-1, VI-9, SH-72 and JI-35 and Hybrid VP-1 x VI-9 reported susceptibility to wilt disease. Our findings confirmed the importance of selecting the parents for the development of resistant hybrids in disease-resistance breeding programmes.

Determination of optimal lethal dose for ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) induced mutagenesis in castor (Ricinus communis L)

Castor, an indeterminate and perennial non-edible oilseed crop is unsuitable for mechanization over a large scale. Chemical mutagenesis using ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) is resorted to exploit point mutations and induce monospike or synchronous maturity. In the present study, EMS mutagenesis dosage was standardized using combinations of concentration (0.5 %, 1 % and 1.5%) and duration (4, 8, 12 hours) of EMS treatment along with duration of pre-soaking with water (12 and 24 hours). Data on speed and percent germination of the seed along with root and shoot length at 7 days and 14 days after treatment indicated that 12 hours presoaking followed by 8 hours or 12 hours of treatment with 1.0% EMS treatment is the optimum lethal dose for EMS mutagenesis.

Kernel-Based Biodiesel Production from Non-Edible Oil Seeds: Techniques, Optimization, and Environmental Implications

Biodiesel represents a renewable alternative to conventional diesel, offering comparable potential. This paper delves into the production of biodiesel from non-edible oil seeds, emphasizing kernel-based feedstocks for their sustainable qualities. We discuss the critical stages of kernel separation and degumming, offering an in-depth examination of seed distribution, attributes, pretreatment, and oil extraction methodologies. Additionally, the paper considers the status of life cycle assessment (LCA) associated with biodiesel. Furthermore, it outlines the necessary steps toward sustainable biodiesel production and underscores the importance of integrating a sustainable circular bioeconomy in biodiesel synthesis.

Stability studies for yield and related component traits in castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is a non-edible oilseed crop used in the manufacturing of soaps, cosmetics and also possessing significant medicinal properties. The experiment was conducted to study G x E interactions and stability parameters in castor using three lines and ten testers, their resultant 30 hybrids and one check (GCH-8) for seed yield and related component traits under three different environments viz., kharif, 2020 at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mandor and kharif, 2021 at ARS, Mandor and Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur. Analysis of variance showed significant difference for all the characters studied. Genotype and environment interaction was significant only for number of capsules per primary raceme, seed yield at 120 days after sowing and ricinoleic acid content. The average stability was possessed by hybrid MCP-1-1 x MP-36-17 for number of effective raceme per plant, MCP-1-1 x MP-42-17 for effective primary raceme length and 100-seed weight, and SKP-84 x MP-12-17 for number of capsules per primary raceme and 100-seed weight over all the three environments. Similarly, the hybrid MCP-1-1 x MP-35-17 showed average stability for seed yield at 120, 150, 180 and 210 days after sowing, whereas MCP-1-1 x MP-27-17 exhibited average stability for oil content, ricinoleic acid content, seed yield at 180 and 210 days after sowing. Based on overall analysis, MCP-1-1 x MP-35-17 and MCP-1-1 x MP-27-17 was found promising in arid regions of Rajasthan.

Pretreatment and Bioconversion for Valorization of Residues of Non-Edible Oilseeds

Biodiesel production currently follows a first-generation model using edible oils as raw materials. Such a production model is unsustainable, considering that it is limited by the high cost of edible oils, competes with the food sector, and is linked to deforestation and other environmental threats. Changing the raw material base to non-edible oils provides an opportunity to increase the sustainability of the biodiesel industry and to avoid conflicts with food production. Processing non-edible oilseeds for extracting the oil to be used for producing biodiesel generates large amounts of residues, such as de-oiled cakes, seed husks, and fruit shells and pods as well as plant stems and leaves resulting from pruning and other agronomy practices. Most of those residues are currently disposed of by burning or used in a suboptimal way. Bioconversion following the sugar platform route, anaerobic digestion, or enzyme production provides means for upgrading them to advanced biofuels and high-added value products. Bioconversion of plant biomass, including oilseed residues, requires pretreatment to enhance their susceptibility to enzymes and microorganisms. This review provides an outlook on bioconversion approaches applicable to different residues of oilseed-bearing plant species. Recent reports on the pretreatment of non-edible oilseed residues for enhancing their bioconversion through either the sugar platform route or anaerobic digestion are critically discussed. This review is based on an exhaustive Web of Science search performed in January–May 2023.

Proteomics profiling and in silico analysis of peptides identified during Fusarium oxysporum infection in castor (Ricinus communis)

Castor is industrially important non-edible oil seeds crop severely affected by soil borne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini which causes heavy economic losses among the castor growing states in India and worldwide. The development of Fusarium wilt resistant varieties in castor is also challenging because the genes identified for resistance are recessive in nature. Unlike transcriptomics and genomics, proteomics is always a method of choice for quick identification of novel proteins expressed during biological events. Therefore, comparative proteomic approach was employed for identification of proteins released in resistant genotype during Fusarium infection. Protein was extracted from inoculated 48–1 resistant and JI-35 susceptible genotype and subjected to 2D-gel electrophoresis coupled with RPLC-MS/MS. This analysis resulted in 18 unique peptides in resistant genotype and 8 unique peptides in susceptible genotype were identified through MASCOT search database. The real time expression study showed that 5 genes namely CCR 1, Germin like protein 5-1, RPP8, Laccase 4 and Chitinase like 6 was found highly up-regulated during Fusarium oxysporum infection. Furthermore, end point PCR analysis of c-DNA showed amplification of three genes namely Chitinase 6 like, RPP8 and β-glucanase exclusively in resistant genotype indicating that these genes may be involved in resistance phenomenon in castor. Up-regulation of CCR-1 and Laccase 4 involved in lignin biosynthesis provides mechanical strength and may help to prevent the entry of fungal mycelia and protein Germin like 5-1 helps to neutralized ROS by SOD activity. The clear role of these genes can be further confirmed through functional genomics for castor improvement and also for development of transgenic in different crops for wilt resistance.

Lignin Extracted from Various Parts of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Plant: Structural Characterization and Catalytic Depolymerization.

Castor is an important non-edible oilseed crop used in the production of high-quality bio-oil. In this process, the leftover tissues rich in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are regarded as by-products and remain underutilized. Lignin is a crucial recalcitrance component, and its composition and structure strongly limit the high-value utilization of raw materials, but there is a lack of detailed studies relating to castor lignin chemistry. In this study, lignins were isolated from various parts of the castor plant, namely, stalk, root, leaf, petiole, seed endocarp and epicarp, using the dilute HCl/dioxane method, and the structural features of the as-obtained six lignins were investigated. The analyses indicated that endocarp lignin contained catechyl (C), guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) units, with a predominance of C unit [C/(G+S) = 6.9:1], in which the coexisted C-lignin and G/S-lignin could be disassembled completely. The isolated dioxane lignin (DL) from endocarp had a high abundance of benzodioxane linkages (85%) and a low level of β-β linkages (15%). The other lignins were enriched in G and S units with moderate amounts of β-O-4 and β-β linkages, being significantly different from endocarp lignin. Moreover, only p-coumarate (pCA) incorporated into the epicarp lignin was observed, with higher relative content, being rarely reported in previous studies. The catalytic depolymerization of isolated DL generated 1.4-35.6 wt% of aromatic monomers, among which DL from endocarp and epicarp have high yields and excellent selectivity. This work highlights the differences in lignins from various parts of the castor plant, providing a solid theory for the high-value utilization of the whole castor plant.

Biodiesel production from non-edible feedstock from a novel ternary mixture of Argemone Mexicana, Azadirachta Indica and Bakayan seeds oil

ABSTRACT As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, there is a growing need to balance energy security with energy demand. Several energy sources are being investigated and tested, primarily for driving automobiles. Biodiesel, a common vegetable oil derivative, is growing in popularity in several countries due to its substantial similarity to conventional diesel. Biodiesel can be promissorily used as a replacement liquid fuel for petrol-based diesel for compression ignition engines. At present, biodiesel production primarily relies on edible vegetable oils as its main source. This research explores the potential of a non-edible blend of Argemone Mexicana, Azadirachta Indica, and Melia Azedarach Linn seeds for biodiesel production. In the study, the raw oil was extracted from a novel ternary mixture of three non-edible oil seeds together. The raw oil was further processed for methyl ester production in two step process as the FFA was achieved more than 6%. Moreover, the biodiesel yield percentage was optimized by adjusting the parameters; catalyst concentration, molar ratio and heating time. The findings show that a 6:1 molar ratio, 60 min heating time and 0.6% by weight catalyst concentration yielded the highest percentage of biodiesel at 93%. The physio-chemical characteristics of the produced biodiesel were evaluated, and the outcomes satisfied the ASTM standards. The novel ternary mixture biodiesel exhibited equivalent chemical properties such as calorific value, viscosity and density as 39 MJ/kg, 7.2 mm2/s and 0.860 g/cm3 respectively. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using non-edible oil from the seeds together for biodiesel production and the potential of this novel ternary mixture as an alternative to conventional diesel fuel.

Potential non-edible oil seeds for biodiesel production: An Indian context

Both energy demand and energy security are major concerns for all the economies worldwide due to the rising rate of energy consumption and rise in energy consumption per capita. In addition, the use of biofuels in place of conventional petroleum-based fuels has received more attention as a result of the global commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable energy use. Biodiesel has emerged as potential biodegradable and nontoxic fuel, which significantly decreases toxic and other harmful emissions when used as diesel engine fuel. The major advantages of biodiesel include its higher cetane number, higher combustion efficiency, lower emissions of aromatic and sulfurous compounds, and a high flash point. The current paper discusses about different potential feedstocks for biodiesel production, its properties and impact of combustion of biodiesel on the environment. The findings of the number of biodiesel related studies and techniques to enhance the performance of the biodiesel fueled engines are covered in this paper. The prospects of economics of biodiesel used in India as a blend are also highlighted in the paper.

Biodiesel as a potential replacement fuel for CI engine to meet the sustainability criteria: A review

Transportation is important for day-to-day operations and economic development. Fossil fuels are essential to many industries, including those that rely on transportation, electricity generation, agriculture, and mining (locomotives). The amount of crude oil consumed has intensified by a factor of 16 during the past 60 years. Every day, more people require and utilize gasoline made from petroleum, but supply is limited. Using biodiesel instead of gasoline will help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Biodiesel could be made from both traditional and unconventional resources, with some changes to satisfy diesel performance. The emissions of CI engines have negative environmental consequences such as greenhouse gases, acid rain, ozone depletion, photochemical smog, and so on. Biodiesel is an excellent substitute for fossil fuels. Transesterification can be used to create it from vegetable oil and animal fats. National biofuel policy 2009 set the goal of meeting 20% of diesel demand with biodiesel. India is planning to mix 5% biodiesel with diesel.“ India has focused primarily on Jatropha. There are, however, around 400 species of non-edible oil seeds bearing plants in our country, where thrust must be made derived the biofuel. Based on the techno- economic viability for the development of biofuel in this paper thrust are made to review a different kind of biofuel utility and their impact on CI engine efficiency that explorer in the last decades.

Kinetic modeling and thermogravimetric investigation of Phoenix dactylifera and Phyllanthus emblica non-edible oil seeds: artificial neural network (ANN) prediction modeling

Kinetic modeling and thermogravimetric investigation of Phoenix dactylifera and Phyllanthus emblica non-edible oil seeds: artificial neural network (ANN) prediction modeling

Screening of castor germplasm for wilt reaction and morpho-molecular characterization of resistant genotypes

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important industrial versatile non-edible oilseed C3 crop belongs to spurge family. Its oil has exceptional properties which provides an industrial importance to this crop. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate the genotypes of castor for Fusarium wilt reaction in pot followed by characterization of resistant genotypes for yield related traits in field and inter-genotype genetic diversity at DNA level. The percent disease incidence (PDI) among 50 genotypes ranged from 0 to 100%. A total of 36 genotypes were found wilt resistant (28 highly resistant and 8 resistant). ANOVA revealed that the genotypes MSS was significant for each trait studied, indicating the existence of plentiful variability in the experimental material. The morphological characterization showed that DCS-109 (73.30 cm) had a dwarf stature The genotype RG-1954 was superior for oil content (50.29%) with moderate for shelling out (67.63). RG-1673 was outstanding for seed boldness as 100 seed weight for this genotype was maximum (38.98 gm). JI-403 had maximum seed yield per plant (SYPP; 354.88 gm). SYPP positively associated with all traits except oil and seed length:breadth ratio. The path analysis revealed that the direct effects of NPR (0.549), TLFP (0.916), and CPP on SYPP are quite significant. A total of 38 alleles from 18 SSR markers were amplified in 36 genotypes. The NJ tree could divide 36 genotypes into three main clusters. AMOVA revealed 15% and 85% variance among and within subpopulations, respectively. Both morphological and SSR data demonstrated to be effective tools for discerning inter-genotypes diversity and categorizing high-yielding and disesae-tolerant castor genotypes lines.

Sustainable Production of Biodiesel from Novel Non-Edible Oil Seeds (Descurainia sophia L.) via Green Nano CeO2 Catalyst

The current study focuses on the synthesis of Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanocatalyst via Tragacanth Gum (TG) using the wet impregnation method and its application for sustainable biodiesel production from a novel, non-edible Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl seed oil. The D. sophia seed oil has higher oil content (36 wt%) and free fatty acid (FFA) value (0.6 mg KOH/g). Innovative analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were used to characterize the newly synthesized, environmentally friendly, and recyclable CeO2-TG phytonanocatalyst (FT-IR). The results show that the CeO2-TG phytonanocatalyst was 22 nm in diameter with a spherical shape outer morphology, while the inner structure was hexagonal. Due to low FFA content, the D. sophia seed oil was pretreated and transesterified via a single step. Using varying parameters, the optimized process variables were determined via Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimum process values were 8:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 0.3 wt% catalyst concentration, 90 °C temperature, and reaction time of 210 min with 98% biodiesel yield. The recently created phytonanocatalyst was reliable and effective, with three times reusability in the transesterification reaction. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), FT-IR, gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GCMS), and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses were used to characterize the synthesized biodiesel. Physico-chemical properties of D. sophia biodiesel, i.e., Kinematic viscosity (4.23 mm2/s), density (0.800 kg/m3), pour point (−7 °C), cloud point (−12 °C), and flash point (73.5 °C) agree well with international biodiesel standards (ASTM-6751, 951), (EU-14214), and China (GB/T 20828) standards. The results show that the synthesized nanocatalyst demonstrated remarkable stability, indicating a bright future for industrial biodiesel production from low-cost feedstock.