Evaluation of the variability of citrullus colocynthis (l) schrad as potential biodiesel feedstock: oil content, oil yield and the fatty acid composition

Abstract

Citrullus colocynthis has been garnering interest in recent times as a potential biodiesel feed stockcrop due to its high seed oil content and its natural adaptation to drought The variability seed oil content (OC), Oil yield (kg/ha) (OY) and fatty acid composition were investigated for 12 accessions collected in different localities in Morocco. Analysis of the data revealed high variability among the accessions, with seed oil content ranging between 17.1 and 24.3 % of seed weight and Oil yield from 35.3 to 172.7 kg/ha. The predominant fatty acid of the seed oil was linoleic acid, C18:2, ranging from 67.0 to 73.0 % of total fatty acids and the average values of unsaturated fatty acids vary between 75.25 and 81.94 %.The wide range of variations found in this study for the traits measured offers the possibility of genetic improvement to develop cultivars for biodiesel production compatible with sustainable and ecological agriculture.