THE PHYSIC NUT TREE (Jatropha curcas L.) FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION IN THE ARCO SECO REGION OF PANAMA

Abstract

A study of eight cultivars of Jatropha curcas L. was conducted in the Arco Seco (Dry Arc) region of Panama. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate and compare the performance of commercial germplasms of this tree species, to select the best varieties adaptable to Panama marginal soils and dry conditions for biodiesel production. A Randomized Complete Block Design was employed with eight treatments and four replications. Canopy diameter, number of branches, tree height, phenology and seed yield were the dependent variables under study. The data were analyzed through ANOVA and a post hoc tests (Fisher’s LSD), for every variable. A principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to generate a graphical representation of the variability of all data. Three cultivars yielded the best results and were recommended for growth, although more questions remained unanswered to substantiate the cultivation of jatropha on a large scale in Panama.