Castor
Ricinus communis, is a seed
bearing plant that is grown in semi arid climates, and
is indigenous to tropical regions around the world.
Castor produces inedible oil seeds with oil content
ranging from 40-47% with potential seed yield of 1,500-2,800
kg per hectare. Castor is drought tolerant, naturally
resistant to pests and disease, and does not compete
with food resources. Castor behaves an a perennial in
the tropics, and cold temperatures cause it to act as
an annual. Castor oil is highly valued for use in the
chemicals industry as a result of the chemical properties
of ricinoleic acid, which make it a valid replacement
for petroleum for use in plastics, rubber, lubricants,
cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Sunflower
Sunflower oil is the non-volatile oil expressed from sunflower
(Helianthus annuus) seeds. Sunflower oil is commonly used in food as a
frying oil, and in cosmetic formulations as an emollient. Sunflower oil
contains predominantly linoleic acid in triglyceride form. The British
Pharmacopoeia lists the following profile:
Palmitic acid: 4 - 9%,
Stearic acid: 1 - 7%,
Oleic acid: 14 - 40%,
Linoleic acid: 48 - 74%.
There are several types of sunflower oils produced,
such as high linoleic, high oleic and mid oleic. High linoleic
sunflower oil typically has at least 69% linoleic acid. High oleic
sunflower oil has at least 82% oleic acid. Variation in unsaturated
fatty acids profile is strongly influenced by both genetics and
climate. In the last decade high stearic sunflower lines have been
developed in Spain to avoid the use of hydrogenated vegetable oils in
food industry. Sunflower oil also contains lecithin, tocopherols,
carotenoids and waxes. Sunflower oil's properties are typical of a
vegetable triglyceride oil. Sunflower oil is produced from oil type
sunflower seeds. Sunflower oil is light in taste and appearance and has
a high Vitamin E content. It is a combination of mono-unsaturated and
polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels.
Pongamia
Pongamia pinnata is seed bearing
tree that is grown in semi arid climates around the
world, and is indigenous to Indonesia. Pongamia produces
inedible oilseeds that contain 30-35 % oil with potential
seed yields of up to 9000 kg per hectare. Pongamia is
a hardy tree that is resistant to drought, pests, and
does not compete with food resources. Pongamia reaches
maturity after approximately 3 years, and can live much
longer. Extracted Pongamia oil is valued as a substitute
for petroleum in transportation and power generation
sectors.
Camelina
Camelina sativa L. is a an
annual plant that is indigenous to Northern Europe.
Camelina produces many small, dense inedible seeds that
have approximately 35% oil content with yield up to
1200 kg seeds per hectare. Camelina has resistance to
drought and pests, exhibits excellent agronomic characteristics,
a strong cold tolerance, and does not compete with food
resources. Camelina oil is valued for use in the specialty
chemicals industry and well as a replacement for petroleum
in transportation and power generation applications.
Jatropha
Jatropha curcas is a seed bearing shrub that is grown in semi
arid climates, and is indigenous to Latin America. Jatropha produces
inedible oil seeds that contain 30-35% oil with an average seed yield
of 5,000 kg per hectare. Jatropha is drought tolerant, naturally
resistant to pests and disease, and does not compete with food
resources Jatropha reaches maturity after 2-3 years, can live for up to
40 years, and can reach a height of more than 4 meters. Jatropha oil is
valued for replacement of petroleum in a variety of functions including
transportation and power generation.
Lesquerella
Lesquerella fendleri is an
annual plant that originated in the southwestern United
States. Lesquerella produces inedible oil seeds that
contain up to 30% oil and 60% lesquerolic acid, with
yields up to 1120 kg seeds per hectare. Lesquerella
is tolerant to drought, severe temperature fluctuations,
and does not compete with food resources. Plants exhibit
an indeterminate growth habit, and germinate in late
summer - early autumn, with little vegetative growth
occurring during winter, and increased growth, flowering,
and seed setting by late spring. The oil extracted from
these seeds is very valuable for use in the specialty
chemicals industry.
