Title: Statistical evaluation of the early-stage development of Jatropha energy plantations in Northeastern Mexico

Authors: Alejandra Gallo, Rocio Gosch, Javier Amezcua, Eleazar Reyes, Oliver Probst

Addresses: Physics Department; Center for Biotechnology, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico. ' Physics Department, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico. ' Physics Department, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico. ' Department of Biological Engineering and Agribusiness, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico. ' Physics Department, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico

Abstract: A systematic evaluation of agricultural factors affecting the adaptation of the tropical oil plant Jatropha curcas L. to the semi-arid subtropical climate in Northeastern Mexico has been conducted. The factors studied include plant density and topology, as well as fungi and virus abundances. A multiple regression analysis shows that total fruit production can be well predicted by the area per plant and the total presence of fungi. Four common herbicides and a mechanical weed control measure were established at a dedicated test array and their impact on plant productivity was assessed.

Keywords: Jatropha curcas L.; statistical evaluation; energy plantations; biodiesel; biofuels; global warming; agricultural factors; Mexico; plant productivity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2009.029218

International Journal of Global Warming, 2009 Vol.1 No.4, pp.473 - 492

Received: 07 Aug 2009
Accepted: 07 Aug 2009
Published online: 10 Nov 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article