Biofuels: Potential and Challenges
Chapter - 6
IN VITRO REGENERATION OF JATROPHA CURCAS
Pankaj Bhargava, S.K. Tiwari, Amit Pandey, M.P. Goswami and Shweta Mishra
Forest Genetics, Plant Propagation and Biotechnology Division, State Forest Research Institute, Polipathar, Jabalpur E-mail- drsktiwari@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
Biofuels are renewable and environmentally safe and refers to a nonpetroleum based fuel obtained from the transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats. Bioethanol and biodiesel are two important forms of biofuels. Non-edible oil obtained from the seeds of Jatropha curcas is the potential source of biodiesel. Therefore it is necessary to find out the varieties of Jatropha which contain maximum oil percentage. Tissue culture offers a reliable method to produce quality plants in large scale. Present paper highlights in vitro regeneration protocol for the species. Keywords: Biofuels, in vitro regeneration, Jatropha curcas
INTRODUCTION Due to rapidly diminishing reserves of the fossil fuels and increasing effects of pollution from these fuels, there is an urgent need of eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. Many energy fuels are being investigated. The best alternative fuel of significance for the future is biofuel. Biofuels refers to a non-petroleum based fuel obtained from the transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats. This special type of fuel is mostly produced from bio waste. The worldwide awareness regarding global warming has popularized the use of biofuel. They are highly effective in minimizing the extent of greenhouse gas emission. Owing to the limited availability of fossil fuels, the use of biofuels becomes all the more important. They are renewable and environmentally safe. Non-edible oil seeds of forest origin are a promising option for producing biofuel. Jatropha curcas, the biodiesel plant is a potential source of such non-edible oil seeds. Among the many species, which yield oil as a source
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