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What is jatropha and how is it used as a feedstock for biodiesel?

Last Updated: October 13, 2010

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Jatropha (Jatropha curcus) is an oilseed-bearing tree that grows on marginal land in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a promising biodiesel feedstock because it can be planted on land that is not suitable for food crops. However, yields from jatropha have been variable, and because the fruits do not mature uniformly, they must be hand-harvested. More research is needed to develop high-yielding, easy-to-harvest varieties. For more information on jatropha and other warm-climate feedstocks, see Warm Climate Feedstocks for Biodiesel.

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