Prospects of castor (Ricinus communis L.) genotypes for biodiesel production in India

Abstract

The search for suitable non-edible oil seed crops for production of biodiesel has led to exploration of the potential of castor, hitherto an export oriented commercial oilseed crop. In this context, a study was conducted to identify high yielding castor genotypes ideal for biodiesel production. The material evaluated included seed of 15 castor genotypes grown in rainfed conditions of Alfisols at Hyderabad, India. Variability for palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic fatty acids was recorded. Ricinoleic acid, the most predominant mono unsaturated fatty acid varied among castor genotypes from 86.7 to 92.1%. Correlation ceffecients between fatty acid profile and biodiesel traits were computed. Genotypes 48-1 and DCH-200 showed high O/L ratio, low Iodine value (IV) and high cetane number (CN) which indicates higher stability, longer shelf life, quick ignition and greater combustion quality. Genotype DPC-9 exhibited potential as a female parent for development of biodiesel suitable hybrid.