Jatropha: Safe or Invasive? A Biofuels Digest Interview with Biofuels Projects International
At the Greenhouse 2007 conference, a report was released citing that among plants under investigation as biofuel sources, two — jatropha and spartina — were banned in Australia and featured on a global list of the 30 most invasive plants.
Jatropha has been under investigation on a worldwide basis as a biodiesel feedstock of immense promise. Pilot projects are underway in Ghana, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Nepal, Malaysia and the West Indies.
Its backers point to high oil content, and its ability to grow in arid climates and poor soils. Critics point to its unproven yields in poor soils; that spectacular test yields have been achieved under ideal conditions.
Biofuels Digest consulted on the subject with Marc de Boer, whose Netherlands-based company Biofuel Projects International has been called in on jatropha projects in Indonesia, India, Nepal and Brazil.
BD: What is your estimation of the risks from jatropha cultivation in terms of introducing an invasive species? Is this a real concern?
MdeB: The fact is that still little is known about this shrub that already has been growing in many nations with tropical climates for decades without anybody paying attention. Jatropha is native to South America amongst others Brazil. The funny thing is that although the shrub is native to Brazil you need special certificates to cultivate it because of the unfamiliarity with the plants. Even in Brazil it is listed as a weed and invasive despite the fact that it originates from there and grows wildly. The Spanish and Portuguese brought it to Africa and Asia and for ages the shrubs have been used as fencing plants.
BD: What steps are being taken, if any are needed, to control jatropha’s potential for spread?
MdeB: We have spoken with quite a few plantation owners that are cultivating Jatropha from Indonesia, India to Brazil and not a single one confirmed uncontrollable germination of the shrub outside the plantations. Therefore we are confident that it is the uncertainty and the general cautiousness of public authorities that lead to these publications but as we learn swiftly on the cultivation of Jatropha this will soon subside as the advantages are just to many to ignore. As always when there is a hype there will be skepticism.
BD: How will this affect, say, cultivation in Australia where it is currently banned?
MdeB: We have contact with Australian investors that are looking to invest in Jatropha plantations in Indonesia and they feel that Australian government will soon allow Jatropha plantations. And if not, there are ample alternatives. They can always grow algae which is in a closed environment and has good yields as well.
