Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
5-2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Andrew McDonald
Second Advisor
Dr. Anxiu Kuang
Third Advisor
Dr. Kenneth Summy
Abstract
Jatropha curcas L., Euphorbiaceae, is a small tree native to the neotropics. Despite renewed economic interests in Physic Nut, mainly for biodiesel production, a comprehensive analysis of the ethnobotanical history of J. curcas is lacking. An account of the pre-Columbian neotropical distribution of this species and its historical uses are presented. Using capillary gas chromatography, studies were conducted to quantify the natural variation in seed oil content and fatty acid composition of the seed oil from several species of Jatropha, including assessment of how these parameters change during seed maturation. Natural variation in seed oil content was detected (F7,93 = 27.975; p < 0.001), and oil content was significantly higher (F2,125 = 86.316; p < 0.001) in older seeds.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2010 Nathan M LeClear. All Right Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/ethnobotanical-history-seed-oil-chemistry-physic/docview/725643275/se-2