Jatropha Frequently Asked Questions
What is the germination time of seed?
Germination needs between 5 and 7 days, depending on the ambient temperature.
Is any chemical can be used for fast germination time?
There are no chemicals, which might accelerate this process. You can accelerate the development of trees substantially by pre-planting Jatropha in tree nurseries.
The Costa Rica Seed Company R & D plantation has found that using our specially formulated Jiffy Nutrient Packs with both seed and Genetic Micro Stems, germination and rooting has high probablitity.
If seeds stored for 6 months in normal conditions, will oil content increase or decrease?
This is highly dependent on storage conditions. A higher humidity factor with good air circulation increase the potential storage times. As well the strain of seed is a factor, for example Costa Rican Jatropha seed has a very high (proven) oil content to begin with, as well storing them here in Costa Rica at our R & D Plantation we have found that our weather condition are conducive for longer storage times. But generally the Jatropha seeds are oily and do not store for long.
Can Jatropha oil be extracted from seeds and directly used in a vehicle?
It depends on the engine and how good the filtration process is. With a precombustion chamber, the oil can go directly into the engine. With a modern diesel engine uses injection, the engine has to be modified to pre-heat the oil due to its viscosity.
What kind of yield can I expect?
On a 100 hectare model - 79,365 gallons total or 300,000 liters of refined bio fuel.
One hectare is palnted 2 meters on center, which equals 2,500 plants per hectare.
One plant will deliver just over one liter of bio fuel, therefore 793 gallons of fuel per each hectare of land.
Note: No adding of any fertilizer or pesticide in this model.
Note: This model is based on condition found in Costa Rica and may vary depending conditions such as climatic, altitude, seed strain, etc. The yield depends very much on the soil and the rainfall and the origin of the plants.
Is it possible to use Jatropha oil as lubrication oil?
Yes, it is. Test carried out at the TMW-engine factory in Germany and demonstrated that pure Jatropha oil can be used as lubrication oil during 400 running hours in a slow turning diesel engine (Indian Lister type).
What are the medical properties of the Jatropha plant?
Jatropha is an Euphorbiaceae closely related to the castor plant and has similar properties. Jatropha seeds are used against constipation, the white latex serves as a disinfectant of mouth infections, it is used on skin rashes, it stops bleeding, the leaves are used against malaria and massages for arthritis, rheumatism, and in many countries it is also a powerful purgative, Jatropha is being investigated for it cancer fighting properties,
What are the water requirements?
Jatropha needs a minimum of 600 mm of rainfall. It is not resistant to water logging over long periods. It can survive long drought periods of 7 or 8 months. It also grows well in rainfall areas of 2000 mm and more.
