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Biofuels and Industrial Products from Jatropha curcas

Jatropha '97

Edited by:

G. M. Gübitz
Graz University of Technology, Austria

M. Mittelbach
Karl-Franzens University Graz, Austria

M. Trabi
Graz University of Technology, Austria


Developed from the Symposium
"Jatropha 97"
Managua, Nicaragua
February 23 – 27, 1997,
sponsored by the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and by Sucher & Holzer Graz

Dbv-Verlag für die Technische Universität Graz
Uhlandgasse 8, A-8010 Graz, Austria
ISBN 3-7041-0242-3


Contents:


1. Cultivation

1.1 Growth and reproduction of Jatropha curcas

C.L. Aker
Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, León, Nicaragua

Abstract
An exploratory study to detect patterns of variation in flower, fruit and seed production in one-year-old plants of Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) in response to variation in soil moisture and fertility was conducted during a 12-month period in Nicaragua. The plant's architecture conforms to Leeuwenberg's model. Flowering tends to be episodic and responds to variation in rainfall. Nutrient deficiency caused growth and reproduction to terminate in smaller plants well before the end of the wet season. Both inflorescence size and the proportion of female flowers vary with the vigour of modules. Fruit development is often uneven within an infructescence, the growth of later initiated fruits being delayed until after maturation of earlier fruits.


1.2 Cultivation of Jatropha curcas as future source of hydrocarbon and other industrial products

G.D. Sharma, S.N. Gupta, M. Khabiruddin


1.3 Biotechnological approaches to the improvement of Jatropha curcas

A. da Câmara Machado, N.S. Frick, R. Kremen, H. Katinger, M. Laimer da Câmara Machado
Institute of Applied Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna, Austria

Abstract

Tissue culture protocols for the rapid propagation of selected genotypes of Jatropha curcas and for further genetic improvement are highly desirable. These allow the rapid supply of planting material for new plantations from genotypes selected for their properties, be it yield or resistance aspects. Initiation of aseptic cultures from seeds after varying storage periods (1 - 3 years) and the multiplication phase have been optimised for a range of different genotypes from various geographical origins (Nicaragua, Mexico, Cabo Verde, Santa Lucia (in Nicaragua), Madagascar). Besides the composition of the culture media one of the key factors was the cutting technique during propagation. Trials to optimise rooting and acclimatisation are currently underway.
In parallel experiments to induce somatic embryogenesis from callus and adventitious shoots from different explants, e.g. leaves, petioles and stems were carried out. This represents the necessary basis for genetic improvement by transformation or mutagenesis. Adventitious shoots from leaf discs of the genotype Santa Lucia were obtained on media supplemented with BA and IBA.


1.4 Planting Jatropha curcas using bare roots

M.C. de la Siles1, A. Montoya1, W. Vázquez1, N. Foidl2
1
Departamento de Biomasa Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria, Managua, Nicaragua
2 Sucher & Holzer Austria

Abstract
Conventional agriculture uses nurseries in the first phase of establishing permanent cultures. This is based on many years of experience with this technique. However, it is the time now to look for alternative methods to establish nurseries which have lower costs, avoid complicated operations, and yield plants of better quality. Using bare roots is one such alternative which is especially appropriate for the cultivation of J. curcas.


1.5 Arthropod fauna associated with Jatropha curcas in Nicaragua: a synopsis of species, their biology and pest status

C. Grimm1, J.-M. Maes2
1 Institute of Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology and Forest Protection, Universität für Bodenkultur, Vienna, Austria
2 Entomological Museum S.E.A., León, Nicaragua

Abstract
Pests and beneficial arthropods in physic nut (Jatropha curcas L., Euphorbiaceae) plantations in Nicaragua are presented. The key pest is Pachycoris klugii Burmeister (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae), which damages the developing fruit. Second most frequent true bug is Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Het.: Coreidae). Twelve further species of true bugs also feed on physic nut. Other pests include the stem borer Lagocheirus undatus (Voet) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), grasshoppers, leaf eating beetles and caterpillars as well as leaf hoppers. Among the beneficial insects pollinators, predators and parasitoids are found. Their potential to limit outbreaks of heteropterous pests is discussed.


1.6 Potential of entomopathogenous fungi for the biological control of true bugs in Jatropha curcas plantations in Nicaragua

C. Grimm1, F. Guharay2
1
Institute of Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology and Forest Protection, Universität für Bodenkultur, Vienna, Austria
2 Proyecto CATIE/INTA-MIP (NORAD), Managua, Nicaragua

Abstract
Key pests of physic nut Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) in Nicaragua are Pachycoris klugii Burmeister (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae) and Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Coreidae), which cause fruit abortion and malformation of seeds. The potential for biological control by the entomopathogenous fungi Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) were assessed in the laboratory obtaining up to 99 % mortality of L. zonatus and 64 % of P. klugii. Both species of fungus are mass produced in Nicaragua using a two step production system on rice sterilised in polypropylene bags. Formulations in oil and water were successfully tested in the field using knapsack sprayers and ultra low volume applicators.


1.7 Chemical composition of three different varieties of Jatropha curcas from Mexico

J.A. Rivera-Lorca, J.C. Ku-Vera


1.8 Jatropha curcas: Distribution and uses in the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico

B. Schmook, L. Serralta-Peraza
El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Chetumal, Mexico

Abstract
In many villages of the Yucatan Peninsula Jatropha curcas trees can be found in the gardens or fields. But there are differences in the way and intensity people use the seeds or other products from this plant. The Mayan people may have one tree in their garden, using it principally for medical purposes and in some cases, when there is a lack of other seeds (Curcubita sp.), for their traditional dishes. It could be stated that in comparison to former times there is less use of J. curcas by the Mayans. The other group of people using the different products of this plant are the settlers from the centre of Mexico, mainly from the state of Veracruz, who came to the Peninsula during the 1970’s. For this reason we can find a concentration of J. curcas in the villages where these settlers live. The trees are used as living fences, the latex for medical purposes and the seeds are used for human and in some cases for animal consumption.


2 Biologically active substances


2.1 The anti-inflammatory effect of Jatropha curcas leaves

R. Staubmann1,2, M. Schubert-Zsilavecz3, A. Hiermann1, T. Kartnig1
1
Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Graz, Austria
2 Institute of Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Austria
3 Institute of Pharmaceutic Chemistry, University of Graz, Austria

Abstract
Different parts of the plant Jatropha curcas are used in ethnomedicine of many countries such as India and Mexico and various indications on the anti-inflammatory effect of extracts of the leaves have been described in literature. An anti-inflammatory substance was isolated from Jatropha curcas leaves using the following procedure. The fresh leaves were minced, degreased with petrol ether and soxhlet extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was separated by column chromatography using Sephadex LH 20, Silica gel and Fractogel TSK HW40.
All separation steps were monitored by TLC and the different fractions were tested on their anti-inflammatory effect by a Carrageenin induced rat-paw-edema-test. The active fraction obtained from TSK column was analysed by HPLC on a RP-18 column showing one main substance. After purification by HPLC in a preparative scale, the isolated substance was analysed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MS. Further investigations on the elucidation of the structure are in progress.


2.2 Lectin activity in toxic and non-toxic varieties of Jatropha curcas using a latex agglutination test

E.M. Aregheore1, H.P.S. Makkar1, K. Becker2
1
Department of Agricultural Sciences, College of Education, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.
2 Institute for Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Germany

Abstract
Lectin activity in toxic and non-toxic varieties of Jatropha curcas seed meal was investigated using a latex agglutination method. The glycoprotein (ovalbumin) was adsorbed onto the latex beads. The agglutination test was carried out in the presence of Ca2+, Mn2+ and Mg2+ ions. Mn2+ ion was found to be the best. A concentration of 0.286 mM of Mn2+ ion was maintained in the assay mixture. Lectin activity when expressed as reciprocal of the minimum quantity (in mg) of Jatropha meal per ml of the assay mixture which produced agglutination was 2.88 +/- 0.57 and 1.71 +/- 0.00 (mean +/- sd) for the toxic and the non-toxic varieties respectively, which did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Both toxic and non-toxic varieties were subjected to heat treatments: i) moist heat (MH) treatment (66 % moisture) at 100ºC and 121ºC for 20, 40 and 60 min and 10, 20, 30 and 40 min respectively, and ii) dry heat (DH) treatment at 130 and 160ºC for 20, 40 and 60 min. The MH treatment at 100ºC and DH treatments at 130ºC and 160ºC for 60 min did not inactivate lectin in both varieties. Agglutination of the latex beads was observed at 10 and 20 min of MH treatment at 121ºC, however agglutination was not observed after 30 min.
These results suggest that in J. curcas meal: i) MH treatment is more effective than DH treatment in inactivating lectins, ii) lectins can be completely inactivated using MH treatment at 121ºC for 30 min, and iii) lectins probably are not the toxic principle in Jatropha meal.


2.3 A study of the hemagglutination properties of three different varieties of Jatropha curcas from Mexico

J.A. Rivera-Lorca, J.C. Ku-Vera


2.4 Curcain - a protease isolated from the latex of Jatropha curcas Linn.

S.K. Dutta


2.5 Acute toxicity studies and wound healing response of curcain, a proteolytic enzyme extract from the latex of Jatropha curcas Linn.

L.K. Natn, S.K. Dutta


3. Biofuels

3.1 Agro-industrial exploitation of Jatropha curcas

N. Foidl, P. Eder
Sucher & Holzer, Austria

Abstract
A variety of products can be produced from the fruits of J. curcas in an integrated process.
The oil of the J. curcas seeds can be used after detoxification as edible oil. Or it can be converted into bio-diesel. The press-cake can be used as fodder (again after detoxification), and the glycerol phase of the bio-diesel production process can serve as an insecticide against tick in cattle.
The commercial use of by-products has the advantage of hardly any waste being produced and of optimised financial feasibility. A financial evaluation of the integrated process is presented, which has been carried out using UNIDO’s COMFAR III Expert program. The results have been obtained making optimistic assumptions about yields, costs and prices, thus representing a best-case scenario. It turns out that the process is financially feasible and very profitable.


3.2 Fuel production improves food production: the Jatropha project in Mali

R. Henning


3.3 Various vegetable oils as fuel for diesel and burners: Jatropha curcas particularities

G. Vaitilingom, A. Liennard


3.4 Production of ethyl esters as diesel fuel substitute in the developing countries

M.N. Eisa


3.5 Trans-esterification of Jatropha curcas oil

E. Zamora1, E. Sobalvarro1, R. Norori1, G. Foidl2, N. Foidl2
1
Universidad Nacional de Ìngenieria, Departamento de Biomasa, Managua, Nicaragua
2 Sucher & Holzer Austria

Abstract
At laboratory level the two-step trans-esterification process of J. curcas oil was optimised, to obtain via methanolysis (KOH and NaOH as catalyst) a product with an ester concentration > 99 %.The best results were obtained with 50 % excess of methanol (of the stoichiometric quantity), 1.3 % (of weight) of KOH / NaOH - relation, 8 : 2, and 75 % of the basic solution added at the first and 25 % at the second step. Under the same conditions a two-step process was simulated, working with a mixture of 90 % ester and 10 % J. curcas oil. The recirculation of the ester permitted the transformation of a batch process into a continuous one. These experiments were carried out at laboratory and pilot plant level.


3.6 Production of biogas from Jatropha curcas fruitshells

O. López1, G. Foidl2, N. Foidl2
1
Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria, Departamento de Biomasa, Managua, Nicaragua
2 Sucher & Holzer, Austria

Abstract
The anaerobic digestion of J. curcas fruit shells was investigated at laboratory scale.
The experiment was carried out in an upflow anaerobic filter with a volume of 23.8 l, the reactor worked at ambient temperature. The initial organic volumetric loading rate was 0.5 VS/l,d and steady state 4.0 g VS/l,d, the hydraulic retention time was 3 days. Addition of NaOH for pH stabilisation was necessary at the beginning, but at steady state it could be reduced to zero.
At steady state about 2.5 l of biogas l-1d-1 (70 % methane) were produced, the degradation rate was about 70 - 80 %. The fruit shells had to be submitted to a pre-treatment to separate the fibres from the pulp, to avoid the obstruction of the reactor.


3.7 Production of biogas from Jatropha curcas seeds press cake

R. Staubmann1, G. Foidl2, N. Foidl2, G.M. Gübitz1, R.M. Lafferty1, V.M. Valencia Arbizu2, W. Steiner1
1 Institute of Biotechnology, Graz Technical University, Austria
2 Proyecto Biomasa, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Managua, Nicaragua

Abstract
Seeds of the tropical plant Jatropha curcas (purge nut, physic nut) are used for the production of oil. Several methods for oil extraction have been developed. In all processes, about 50 % of the weight of the seeds remain as a press cake containing mainly protein and carbohydrates. Investigations have shown that this residue contains toxic compounds and cannot be used as animal feed without further processing. Preliminary experiments have shown that the residue is a good substrate for biogas production. Biogas formation was studied using a semi-continuous Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor, a contact-process and an anaerobic filter each reactor having a total volume of 110 litre. A maximum production rate of 3.5 m3 m-3 d-1 was obtained in the anaerobic filter with a loading rate of 13 kg COD m-3 d-1. However the UASB reactor and the contact-process were not suitable for using this substrate. When using an anaerobic filter with J. curcas seed cake as a substrate 76 % of the COD was degraded and 1 kg degraded COD yielded 355 l of biogas containing 70 % methane.


3.8 15 years of biodiesel experience in Europe

M. Mittelbach


3.9 Evaluation of European biodiesel-production and use with the sustainable process index

T. Dielacher, P. Eder, M. Naradoslawsky


3.10 Policy context of biomass fuels and their economics

E. Schaltegger


3.11 Commercial feasibility of biofuels in 1997

B.R.Bonine, C.L. Cantrell, M.E. Bonesteel, N.S. Chong


4 Toxicity


4.1 Phorbol esters of Jatropha curcas - biological activities and potential applications

M. Wink, C. Koschmieder, M. Sauerwein, F. Sporer


4.2 Rumen digestion of raw, roasted and boiled seeds of Jatropha curcas from Chiapas, Mexico

J.A. Rivera-Lorca, J.C. Ku-Vera


4.3 Toxicity of Jatropha curcas seeds

M. Trabi1, G.M. Gübitz1, W. Steiner1, N. Foidl2
1 Institute of Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
2 Proyecto Biomasa, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Managua, Nicaragua

Abstract
The seeds of Jatropha curcas L. contain up to 60 % oil with a fatty acid pattern similar to that of edible oils. The amino acid composition, the percentage of essential amino acids and the mineral content of the press cake can be compared to those of other seeds and press cakes used as fodder. Due to several different toxic principles including a lectin (curcin), phorbol esters, saponins, protease inhibitors and phytates neither the seeds nor the press cake nor the oil of Jatropha curcas can be used for human or animal nutrition.
Feeding experiments with fish were carried out to determine the toxicity of different fractions as well as the influence of heat and alkali treatment on the press cake. The heat treated seeds and seed meal showed less toxicity than the untreated material, whereas the toxicity of the alcoholic oil extract did not change after treatment with hot alkali.


4.4 Detoxification of Jatropha curcas press cake and oil and feeding experiments on fish and mice

H. Gross1 , G. Foidl2, N. Foidl2
1
Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Departamento de Biomasa, Managua, Nicaragua
2 Sucher & Holzer Austria

Abstract
At laboratory scale detoxification treatments were carried out on J. curcas press cake and oil (to remove curcin and phorbolic esters), followed by feeding experiments on fish and mice. Feeding fish on heat-treated only press cake, resulted in 100 % mortality, however after an additional extraction with ethanol (92 %) they grew without problems. When feeding mice on a concentrate containing J. curcas meal as protein source, the best results also were obtained with the ethanol extracted meal, but the mice were growing slower than the control group fed on soya. Feeding neutralised J. curcas oil lead to 100 % mortality, whereas the ethanol extracted one did not provoke any signs of intoxication.


5 Other applications


5.1 Use of enzymes for oil extraction from Jatropha curcas seeds

E. Winkler1, G.M. Gübitz1, N. Foidl2, R. Staubmann1, W. Steiner1
1
Institute of Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Austria
2 Proyecto Biomasa, Managua University of Technology (UNI), Nicaragua

Abstract
Jatropha curcas is a tropical plant widely distributed in arid areas. The seeds contain about 55 % of oil, which is mainly used for the production of soap as a fuel and after trans-esterification as biodiesel. Various methods for recovering of oil from the seeds, including extraction with organic solvents and water, have been investigated. Compared to hexane extraction (98 %) the oil extraction using water only yielded 38 % of the total oil content of the seeds. Using several cell wall degrading enzymes during aqueous extraction a maximum yield of 86 % was obtained.
The influence of cellulolytic, hemicellulolytic enzymes as well as proteases was studied.
The experiments were carried out at different pH-values and temperatures to find out the optimum for oil recovering using enzymes. Surprisingly the best results (86 %) were obtained using an alkaline protease. Combinations of proteases with hemicellulases and / or cellulases did not further increase the extraction yield. The enzyme supported aqueous extraction offers a nontoxic alternative to common extraction methods using organic solvents with reasonable yields.


5.2 Potential of Jatropha curcas seed meal as a protein supplement to livestock feed, constraints to its utilisation and possible strategies to overcome constraints

H.P.S. Makkar, K. Becker
Institute for Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics (480), University of Hohenheim, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany

Abstract
Studies in our laboratory have shown that J. curcas seed meal (with 1 - 2 % residual oil) has 58 - 64 % crude protein (90 % of which is present in the form of true protein) and levels of essential amino acids except lysine are higher than for the FAO reference protein. However, the seed meal from the Cape Verde and Nicaragua varieties has been found to be highly toxic to fish, rats and chikens while seed meal from a Mexican variety was not. Although the growth rate of fish fed a diet containing Jatropha seed meal from the non-toxic variety for 7 days (50 % of fishmeal protein replaced by Jatropha meal) did not differ significantly from that of the control group, appearance of mucus in faeces was observed. The crude protein content and amino acid composition of this non-toxic variety were similar to those of the toxic Cape Verde or Nicaragua variety. In addition, in experiments with rats the protein efficiency ratio of the feed containing heat-treated seed meal from the non-toxic variety was found to be about 86% of that obtained with casein. These observations suggest that both toxic and non-toxic varieties can be good protein sources for livestock. However, the seed meal from Jatropha varieties must be detoxified. The feeding of unheated meal from the non-toxic variety might have sub-clinical effects which could reduce the performance of animals when fed a diet containing this seed meal for a longer period of time. Some constraints identified by us which could restrict the optimum utilisation of seed cake from both the toxic and non-toxic variety are: very high levels of trypsin inhibitor activity (21 - 27 mg trypsin inhibited/g DM), lectin (51 - 102 when expressed as inverse of minimum concentration in mg of Jatropha meal per ml of the assay which produced hemagglutination) and phytate concentration (9 - 10%). Saponins were also present at a level of 2.6 -3.4% (as diosgenin equivalent). Phorbolesters were present in kernels of the toxic variety (2.2 - 2.7 mg/g) but virtually absent in the Mexican variety (0.11 mg/g). Tannins, cyanogens, amylase inhibitors and glucosinolates were not detected in any of the varieties. Trypsin inhibitors and lectins are heat labile and can therefore be destroyed by heat treatment. The unheated seed cakes from both the toxic and non-toxic variety were found to have low in vitro rumen degradable nitrogen (IVRDN24h). The IVRDN24h after heat treatment increased almost 2-fold (38 to 65%). Heat treatment for the Mexican variety and a combination of heat and chemical (NaOH and NaOCl) treatments or extraction with 80 - 90 % aqueous ethanol or methanol for toxic varieties hold promise for detoxification of Jatropha meals.


5.3 Fermentation of Jatropha curcas seeds and press cake with Rhizopus oryzae

Trabi1, G.M. Gübitz1, W. Steiner1, N. Foidl2
1
Institute of Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
2 Proyecto Biomasa, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Managua, Nicaragua

Abstract
A fungus was isolated from the seeds of Jatropha curcas L. grown in Nicaragua and identified as Rhizopus oryzae Went & Prinsen Geerlings.
Seed meal, seed shells and press cake of Jatropha curcas were used in different concentrations as substrates for fermentations of Rhizopus oryzae. Regarding the biomass production the fungus grew very well on seed meal and press cake, whereas the seed shells turned out to be a poor substrate. Highest production of carbohydrolases was yielded by fermenting the seed shells in the presence of yeast extract. The fungus produced a wide spectrum of hydrolytic enzymes suitable to increase the yield of the oil extraction. Furthermore, degradation of toxic substances by fermenting the seeds or the press cake with Rhizopus oryzae are thinkable.
The experiments showed that using the remainings of the oil extraction as substrate for enzyme production with Rhizopus oryzae could be an alternative to using the press cake as fodder, especially as long as there is no practical way for its detoxification.


5.4 Extraction of bioactive substances from Jatropha curcas L. and bioassays on Zonocerus variegatus, Sesamia calamistis and Busseola fusca for characterisation of insecticidal properties

L. Mengual


5.5 Pesticidal efficacy of formulated Jatropha curcas oil on pests of selected field crops

A.D. Solsoloy, T.S. Solsoloy


5.6 Molluscicidal properties of Jatropha curcas against vector snails of the human parasites Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum

M. Rug, F. Sporer, M. Wink, S.Y. Liu, R. Henning, A. Ruppel


5.7 Development of eri silkworm Samia cynthia ricini (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) on different provenances of Jatropha curcas leaves

C. Grimm1, A. Somarriba2, N. Foidl3
1
Institute of Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology and Forest Protection, Universität für Bodenkultur, Vienna, Austria
2 Biomass Project, UNI-DINOT, Managua, Nicaragua
3 Sucher & Holzer, Graz, Austria

Abstract
Several generations of the eri silkworm Samia cynthia ricini (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) were reared in Nicaragua using castor (Ricinus communis L., Euphorbiaceae) leaves. Bioassays were conducted with seven different provenances of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L., Euphorbiaceae) leaves from Nicaragua, the Cape Verde Islands, Madagascar, India and Mexico. On five of these no growth of eri silkworms was observed. The Mexican variety proved a possible food plant of low quality with a survival rate of only 5%. One Nicaraguan variety from Santa Lucía showed the highest potential with a survival rate of 21%, but the weight of the shells obtained was significantly lower than those of silkworm fed with castor leaves.


6 Potential


6.1 Jatropha curcas: potential, limitations and future research needs

J. Heller


6.2 Politics of energy production in developing countries

H. Danninger, P. Eder


6.3 Pilot project of energetic vectors using agricultural waste material - ecological and economic justification

S. Andrijasevic, S. Benc, T. Filipan


6.4 Policy of energy production in Bulgaria

A.G. Aladjadjian