Developments in JEP and PhD programme

Pre-conference workshop: A to Z of Jatropha curcas L.

Powerpoint presentations:

• 0. Intro
• 1. Introduction to the role of Jatropha curcas in bio-fuel supply
• 2. Claims and Facts on Jatropha curcasL.
• 3. Agronomy
• 4. Genetics, breeding and propagation techniques
• 5. Processing 

Paper & Poster presentations:

• Montes, L.R., C. Azurdia, R.E.E. Jongschaap, E.N. van Loo, E. Barillas, R. Visser and L. Mejia. Global Evaluation of genetic variability in Jatropha curcas. Poster presented at Wageningen University Plant Breeding Research Day, June 17, 2008.
• Montes Osorio, L.M., E.N. van Loo, R.E.E. Jongschaap, R.G.F. Visser and C. Azurdia., 2008. Global Jatropha curcas genetic diversity study and its application in breeding programs. Conference paper JatrophaWorld2008, 9-10 June 2008, Miami, USA.

The claims projected on J. curcas include that the crop:
a)  reclaims marginal soils,
b)  grows well under saline conditions,
c)  is drought tolerant and may have low water use (or high water use efficiency),
d)  has low nutrient requirements,
e)  is an energy crop,
f)  grows seeds with high oil contents,
g) provides high oil yields,
h)  provides oil of high quality,
i)  requires low labour inputs,
j)  does not compete with food production, and
k)  is tolerant or resistant to pests and diseases

Hard figures and verifiable data on various aspects of J. curcas remain scarce, but in the report ‘Claims and Facts on Jatropha curcas L.’ the latest and most important scientifically sound information is included. The report reveals that the wild species J. curcas has great potential and value to be exploited in its natural environment of semi-arid and arid conditions in the tropics. The traditional and successful application of J. curcas includes functions like soil water conservation, soil reclamation, erosion control, living fences, firewood, green manure, lightning fuel and local use in soap production, insecticide and medicinal application at modest scale.

However... as soon as J. curcas is related to high oil yield production, a claim which in itself is not backed up by any scientific findings so far, (especially not at large scale), a risk warning should be given about the validity of these claims. Especially the claims of low nutrient requirements (soil fertility), low water use, low labour inputs, the non existence of competition with food production, and tolerance to pests and diseases are definitely not true in combination with high oil yield production.
» Download the full report

Participants
We have contacted more than 400 people all over the world that have shown interest in Jatropha. About 50% of these contacts can be found in the countries where the participants with Jatropha curcas accessions come from. In the Table below you can see how many agreed to participate with their Jatropha curcas collections and how many of them have already returned the Questionnaires and Plant material for the analyses. For those who have not done so, please send your material ASAP, as laboratory analyses will start in September/October 2007. Please note the remarks below on Leaves and Seeds and the Questionnaire.

Leaves and seeds
Please note that we would like to receive your Plant Material (leaves and seeds) as soon as possible, as we would like to finish the laboratory analyses in 2007. Questionnaires can be send in later.

Questionnaire
We are aware that the Questionnaire is extensive and is difficult to follow at some points. Nonetheless, we hope you fill in as much as you can. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts or any problems with the Questionnaire, we are most willing to help you out! The background data is utmost important for the analyses of Jatropha curcas performance in the world.