Abstract

Influence of site variation on Jatropha curcas seed yield and quality of biodiesel from three seed sources (Ibadan, New Bussa, and Kano) was investigated. Biodiesel was produced using oil extracted from the three seed sources using standard laboratory methods. Completely randomized design at three replicates per treatment was adopted for the experiment. The biodiesel produced was subjected to physicochemical analysis to elicit its quality. The seed yield (227.10 g) from Ibadan seed source was greater than New Bussa and Kano seed sources (175.20and 51.30 g) respectively. Also New Bussa had higher seed yield (175.20 g) than Kano seed source (51.30 g). However, the oil yield (59 %) from Kano seed source was higher than New Bussa seed source (44.25 %) while it was lowest for Ibadan seed source (39.38 %). The biodiesel yield (76.94 %) from Kano seed source was higher than New Bussa seed source (64.45 %) and lowest for Ibadan seed source (49.44 %). In terms of the biodiesel quality, Kano seed source had the highest biodiesel quality judging from the physicochemical properties of biodiesel produced from the three seed sources. Since Jatropha curcas grown in the forest and savannah ecological zones of Nigeria has a potential for high oil yield and high quality of biodiesel, cultivation of the plant species should be encouraged on both small scale as well as large scale basis in these ecological zones.

Key Words: Jatropha curcas, Site variation, Seed yield, Biodiesel, Seed sources