Castor is a hardy plant, requires low input, tolerates marginal soils, is easy to establish in the field, is resistant to drought, and gives yield 350?900 kg oil per hectare. Castor oil shows great functional value in energy sector, industry, and pharmaceutical.
Which country produces castor oil?
India is the largest producer and exporter of the castor oil ( www.statista.com ). Castor oil is an important feedstock for the chemical industry which is mostly utilized for biodiesel production and pharmaceutical application because it is the only commercial source of hydroxylated fatty acid [ 3 ].
How can we improve the quality and quantity of castor oil?
Both the quality and quantity of castor oil can be improved by using biotechnological innovations and genetic engineering. The castor genome draft should be used as map for introducing molecular markers in castor breeding.
Is Castor a good source of bioenergy and industrial feedstock?
However, castor has a tremendous potentiality as a source of bioenergy and industrial feedstock with high oil content, unique fatty acid composition (ricinoleic acid), and a wide range of adaptation under drought and saline condition. 24. Conclusion