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

Gallo, A., Gosch, R., Amezcua, J., Reyes, E. and Probst, O. (2009) Statistical evaluation of the early-stage development of Jatropha energy plantations in Northeastern Mexico. Intenational Journal of Global Warming, 1 (4). pp. 473-492. ISSN 1758-2091 doi: 10.1504/IJGW.2009.029218

Abstract/Summary

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.