Jatropha curcas is a non-edible shrub that is native to Central America. Its seeds contain high amounts of oil that is used as a high quality energy feedstock, and a variety of bio-based materials. It can be effectively grown on marginal lands that are considered undesirable for food crops.

SG Biofuels made the announcement at JatrophaWorld 2010, an annual gathering of Jatropha producers and developers in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Hybrid seed technology has historically been responsible for exponential increases in agricultural production and profitability. Since the introduction of hybrid corn in the 1940s, along with improved agronomic practices, the average US bushel per acre has increased by more than 400% from 30 to approximately 140. With hybrid corn, at least 20% more corn is produced on 25% fewer acres. Large-scale hybrid seed production is considered superior to other mass propagation techniques because of lower costs and improved plant performance.

True hybrid seeds provide a far superior planting material resulting in more consistent production and greater profitability for growers. We can now generate large quantities of elite hybrid seeds optimized to our customers’ unique growing conditions worldwide.

—Eric Mathur, vice president of molecular breeding and agronomics for SG Biofuels

The patent-pending technology was developed following more than three years of research and development of the world’s largest and most diverse library of Jatropha genetic material, including more than 6,000 unique genotypes. Earlier this year SG Biofuels introduced JMax 100, its first elite cultivar optimized for Guatemala with projected yields 100% greater than existing commercial varieties, resulting in a 300% increase in profits. (Earlier post.)