Seed characterization and quality testing of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.)
2008
Parreno-de Guzman, L. E. | Aquino, A. L. | Carlos, M. G. | Bon, S. G.
Global climate change, together with the high cost and projected depletion of fossil fuel, has renewed the need for and interest in inexpensive and sustainable alternative source of fuel. One plant species which has seeds that can be processed to provide a diesel fuel substitute is the tropical physic nut (Jatropha curcas L), locally known as 'tubang bakod'. Establishment of the seed technology of J. curcas can guide engineers in the development of processing machines, and the growers, seed traders, and oil processors in the maintenance of quality seeds. Good quality seeds with low moisture content is necessary in obtaining high quality and quantity of oil for biodiesel production. Five seed lots of J. curcas were acquired and characterized. The best methods for drying, seed quality testing (i.e. germination, moisture content (MC) determination, rapid viability), and storage were tested and initial protocols were drawn up. On the average, the 1,000 seed weight of J. curcas is 666 g and a kilo contains 1,606 seeds. Standard germination and MC determination tests for J. curcas have been established. To estimate the MC to which seeds can be dried under a given RH and to predict the drying period under a given set of conditions, graphs for moisture isotherm and mean drying curve have been developed. TTZ as a rapid viability test has been explored. Germination was maintained above 90% after 3 months of storage under 0 deg C and 18-20 deg C at 4% MC. Under ambient conditions, germination was still 80-83% after six months. Except for germination and MC determination, the above results are still initial findings that need further tests and refinement to be able to come up with final protocols.
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