Jatropha farm: a circular economy proposal for the non-toxic physic nut crop in Mexico

Abstract

Jatropha curcas (physic nut) is a promising crop in tropical countries because its seeds have a high oil content that can be easily transformed into biodiesel. The oil can also serve to obtain other bioproducts. However, several obstacles hinder the extensive application of the crop, for example, the relative low prices of petroleum and oil, the toxicity of the seeds, low crop yields and rusticity of the plant. We propose a model in which several biotechnological strategies are applied to increase the crop value of Jatropha, while maintaining the fertility characteristics of the soil, and reducing its carbon and water footprints.