Hawaii Natural Energy Institute Seminar Series

Oils from Tropical Plants -- Biofuels by Robert E. Paull, Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Numerous tropical trees produce oil-bearing seeds with the oil having the potential for use as a biofuel. Some of these crops are grown for human consumption (oil palm) while others have potential industrial and biofuel uses. Jatropha or Purging Nut (Jatropha curcas L.,) is widely used as a medicinal plant. The oil from this small tree has biofuel potential and is illustrative of the research needs to make tropical oil crops a commercial biofuel source in Hawaii. The major constraint is genetic, with work being necessary to select or breed suitable material that can be grown and managed in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. The agronomy or field management practices must allow regular uniform fruiting that can be mechanically harvested, preferably with a minimum of inputs (fertilizer, irrigation, etc.).

Ticket Information
Free and open to the public

Event Sponsor
Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, Manoa

More Information
Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, 956-8890, mkamiya@hawaii.edu, http://www.hnei.hawaii.edu

Ongoing Events