Investigation of rubber seed yield in Xishuangbanna and estimation of rubber seed oil based biodiesel potential in Southeast Asia

Rubber seed oil, derived from the seedsof the rubber tree – Hevea brasiliensis, has been shown as a viable option for biodiesel production. However, few studies have investigated the factors influencing rubber seedyield. This study evaluates rubber seedyield through in situ counting of rubber seedsfrom the dominant rubber tree clones (RRIM600# and GT1#) in Xishuangbanna, China. Comparisons of seedyield across tree age classes and along an elevation gradient were carried out. The rubber seedyield survey was then used as a predictor for potential rubber seed oilproduction, both locally and regionally, and calculates the potential biodiesel productionfrom the rubber seed oil. The results indicate that rubber seedyield is directly linked with tree age and size, and that elevation does not affect rubber seedyield within this region. Seedyield varied greatly (3-fold) between the two cultivars studied. Furthermore, it was calculated that there is a potential production of 1.94 Mt of rubber seed oiland 1.80 Mt of biodiesel from this oil, within SE Asia (Southeast Asia).