Improving Jatropha spp. in Egypt

Jatropha is a genus of flowering plants in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It has a great economic importance and can be utilized in several ways. It cited as one of the best candidates for future biodiesel production. It is resistant to drought and pests, and produces seeds containing 27-40% oil, averaging 34.4%. The remaining press cake of jatropha seeds after oil extraction could also be considered for energy production. However, despite their abundance and use as oil and reclamation plants, none of the Jatropha species have been properly domesticated and, as a result, their productivity is variable, and the long-term impact of their large-scale use on soil quality and the environment is unknown. Therefore, this study was carried out at the experimental laboratory of the Natural Resources Department, Institute of African Research and Studies, Cairo University, Egypt, for improving growth and chemical composition of Jatropha spp.