Title:
Breeding and Selection of a Castor Genotype to Exploit in the Mediterranean Area
Author(s):
Cafaro, V., Piccitto, A., Calcagno, S., Copani, V., Patanč, C., Testa, G., Cosentino, S.L.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The current world scenario is characterized by an extreme climate crisis. To overcome the intense climate change and reduce the use of fossil fuels, the European Union has promoted a sustainable biofuel industry, through the adoption of the RED, which establishes the requirements for a sustainable and environmental friendly production of biofuels. In this context, Castor (Ricinus communis L.) represent a valid candidate as energy crop for the Mediterranean basin. The aim of the study was the selection of a genotype with improved morphological and qualitative-quantitative traits, a higher seed yield, and high oil content, a proper plant development, and that is suitable for cultivation in semi-arid environments. From the evaluation of biometric and agronomic traits, a mass selection programme started, allowing the selection of 28 genotypes. The seed and oil yield and oil content had a great variability within the population studied, depending on the genotypes. The variety selected had a greater uniformity for biometric and morphological characters; a reduction of the insertion height, and earliness of maturation of the main and first order raceme. The genotype selected at the end showed yield close to 3 t/ha, a higher oil content (41.8%), and a higher oil yield (1864.2 kg/ha).
Keywords:
breeding, oil yield, Ricinus communis L., oil content, renewable energy directive, mass selection
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Biomass resources and potentials
Event:
32nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1CV.2.10
Pages:
87 - 91
ISBN:
978-88-89407-24-0
Paper DOI:
10.5071/32ndEUBCE2024-1CV.2.10
Price:
FREE
