2.1.6. Mahua (Madhuca indica)

production is from 0.2 kg to more than 2 kg per plant [5]. The average weight per 1000 seeds is about 500–800 g, which is equivalent to 1333 seeds per kg. The seed coats constitute about 35– 40% of the total seeds. The oil content in seeds ranges from 35 to 40% and the kernels 55–60% (www.jartropha.org) [14]. Many investigations have been done on the composition and content of the jatropha seeds [15]. Optimal seed yield in good condition area is around 5 t dry seed

y<sup>1</sup> [16]. Seed oil contain 22.50% saturated fatty acid (16.00% palmitic acid, 6.50% stearic acid) and 78.70% unsaturated fatty acid (43.50% oleic acid, 34.40% linoleic acid, 0.80% linolenic

Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Family Fabaceae – Papilionoideae) is native to India and commonly known as karanja [17]. It has been introduced to humid tropical lowlands in the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, the Seychelles, the United States of America, and Indonesia [18]. In fertile soil, P. pinnata can produce 10–50 kg of seeds/tree and reach yearly production of around 200 t (metric ton) [19]. Seeds of P. pinnata are heavy, contain greater food reserves and around 800–1200 seeds are found to weigh 1 kg. As a legume, it is also able to fix its own nitrogen from the soil thus minimizing the need for adding fertilizer. Further, it has positive bio-ameliorative effect on the nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and organic carbon content of soil. The oil seed consists 19.15% saturated fatty acid (11.65% palmitic acid, 7.50% stearic acid) and 70.70% unsaturated fatty acid (51.59% oleic acid, 16.46% linoleic acid, 2.65% linolenic

Calophyllum inophyllum L., a member of Clusiaceae family, is native to Australia and has many attributes to be used as a biodiesel feedstock [21]. It fruits profusely (3000–10,000 seeds tree<sup>1</sup>

weight) within density 400 trees/ha [11]. Seed yields 65% oil that contains 24.96% saturated fatty acid (12.01% palmitic acid, 12.95% stearic acid) and 72.65% unsaturated fatty acid (34.09%

Azadirachta indica is a member of the family Meliaceae and is native to Indian subcontinent. It can be grown by seeds in rainy season and reach the maximum productivity after 15 years. The adult plants reach at the height of 25–30 m and bears fruit at the age of 3–5 years. Neem tree produce around 40–50 kg fruits per plant per year equivalent to 25–30 kg seeds in its full growth [23]. Average seed yield of neem is 2.67 ton/ha at density 400 plants/ha [11]. The neem

The rubber tree is a perennial plantation crop, indigenous to South America and cultivated as an industrial crop since its introduction to South-East Asia around 1876. Rubber tree can grow in hot and moist regions. Its productivity starts from eighth year onwards. The yield of the

oil yield that can be obtained from the seed kernels varies from 25 to 45% [11].

) and requires little maintenance [22]. Productivity of polanga is 3744 kg/ha (dry

ha<sup>1</sup>

acid) [6].

204 Advances in Biofuels and Bioenergy

acid) [20].

season<sup>1</sup>

2.1.2. Karanja (Pongamia pinnata (L.))

2.1.3. Polanga (Calophyllum inophyllum L.)

2.1.4. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

2.1.5. Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis)

oleic acid, 38.26% linoleic acids, 0.30% linolenic acid) [6].

Madhuca indica is a member of the family Sapotaceae and is commonly known as Butter Tree. Mahua oil is obtained from the seed kernel. The tree is medium to large and found in Asia. Average productivity of mahua seed is about 1.6 kg/tree [30]. The seeds contain 30–40% fatty oil, which is non-edible and used in the manufacture of various products such as soap and glycerin. It contains 31.80% saturated fatty acid (17.80% palmitic acid, 14.00% stearic acid) and 64.20% unsaturated fatty acid (46.30% oleic acid, 17.90% linoleic acid) [11].
