Changes in oil content and fatty acid composition in Jatropha curcas during seed development

Seed development in Jatropha curcas L. was studied with respect to morphology, oil content and lipid profiles. Seeds were collected at 8 different stages of development starting from 6 days after pollination till maturity. Seed oil content increased from 6.15% to 35.86%. Palmitic acid (16:0) decreased from 34.27- 15.62, whereas linolenic acid (18:3) reduced from 26.32 to 0.65%. A sharp increase in oleic acid (18:1) content from 8.05 to 29.56% was observed at stage 5 which increased further to 44.38% at maturity. Linoleic acid (18:2) increased steadily from 33.38 to 47.19 % till stage 7 but reduced to 33.02% at maturity with a simultaneous increase in oleic acid. Remarkable changes in fatty acid composition were observed after stage 4 (27 DAP). The biodiesel quality of oil at stage 8 was better than at stage 7 as indicated by lower iodine number and higher cetane number.