Information-based Optimization of Jatropha Biomass Energy Production in the Frost- and Drought-prone Regions Of Botswana

Crops in gradually due to dryness and cold-weather, and this is a barrier to the accomplishment of a low carbon society based upon bioenergy. However, the nation has an abundance of wild plants that can endure dryness and winter cold. It also has great deals of jatropha curcas trees, whose seeds have abundant quantities of an oil considered to hold great guarantee as a biofuel. The objective of this task is to use these resources to establish Jatropha ranges that are resistant to dryness and winter and offer high performance, in addition to to develop methods of cultivating these ranges. In this way, a biological approach will assist to achieve a low carbon society.

Creating a bioenergy production model based on the nation’s own biological resources
A database of biological resource information associating with jatropha curcas will be built and ideal ranges will be developed. Moreover, in this desert that undergoes winter, efforts will be made to establish a growing system that is flexible with respect to environment change. The project will work to develop a sustainable bioenergy production model using plant genetic resources that are indigenous to Botswana.