Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Jatropha curcus has been identified as a possible biofuel crop for cultivation in Australia as it has low water requirements and can grow in variety of soil types. The seeds of J. curcus contain oil that can be used as a high-quality biodiesel fuel, including in standard diesel engines. Studies have indicated the potential for hybridisation between different species of Jatropha. This has led to concern regarding the introduction of J. curcus because another species from the same genus is the noxious exotic weed Jatropha gossypiifolia (bellyache bush). A significant gap in our knowledge of the genus Jatropha is in the area of systematic relationships between the approximately 175 species included in this genus. Filling this gap will allow us to determine the level of relatedness between J. curcus and other members of the genus, as well as providing vital predictive information for host testing of biological control agents for weed management.
- Study level
- PhD
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Keywords
- biofuel, biodiesel, crops, invasive species
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor.
Dr Tanya Scharaschkin
