A Comparison of Two Methodological Approaches for Determining Castor Bean Suitability in Chile

Abstract

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) contains ricinoleic acid, making it one of the world’s most important oil-seeds. There are few studies on this species in Chile, despite its potential as an industrial crop. This study evaluated two methodologies (simplistic and presence-species) for determining the aptitude of land for growing castor beans, both of which use climatic information. The simplistic and presence-species methodologies identified 27.89 and 13.19 million ha, respectively. The most important difference between both methodologies was that the mean minimum annual temperature (TNA) was −8.0 °C in the simplistic method, meaning that some areas in the southernmost regions of Chile (Aysén and Magallanes) should be able to grow the plant. Therefore, TNA = 8.0 °C was selected, and the zonation by simplistic methodology was updated. Consequently, both zonations showed similar results, although the presence-species method included northern coastlines, precisely where castor bean has been recorded, while the simplistic method did not. Finally, both methodologies determined the best condition to be central-south Chile, between the Maule and Araucanía regions, even though castor bean presence has only been recorded up to the Maule region. These regions have a huge potential to establish castor beans, but more information about agronomic practices is necessary for its development in Chile.

Industrial oilseed crops in Chile: Current situation and future potential

“…Castor bean is one of the oldest industrial oilseed crops worldwide, 62 and although commercial cultivars are available in some countries, they are mainly used in countries with tropical climates, 38,57 while no cultivars are available for Chilean conditions. Therefore, an evaluation of adventive castor bean germplasm is necessary to develop this crop for commercial purposes 38 .…”

“…Castor bean is one of the oldest industrial oilseed crops worldwide, 62 and although commercial cultivars are available in some countries, they are mainly used in countries with tropical climates, 38,57 while no cultivars are available for Chilean conditions. Therefore, an evaluation of adventive castor bean germplasm is necessary to develop this crop for commercial purposes 38 . Another challenge of producing castor oil in Chile is the valorization of marginal land, particularly in the climate of northern regions, where enough area with thermal aptitude is available, although many areas are characterized by hydric restriction [Fig.…”

“…It has been determined that in Chile, areas covering 4.5 million ha have a potential for castor bean adaptation and production. Although all of these surfaces have certain restrictions (thermal or hydric), there is an area covering over 78 000 ha without thermal restriction and only a moderate hydric restriction, and an area covering 11 000 ha without hydric restriction and only mild thermal restriction 38 . The former area was found in the northernmost region of Chile, between the Arica y Parinacota and Coquimbo regions, whereas the latter was found in the center‐south of Chile in the Biobío and Araucanía regions [Fig.…”

“…Et Arn. [33][34][35] Guindilla Native Energy Biodiesel Biodiesel quality; 33 plant propagation; 34 nutrient evaluation 35 Helianthus annuus L. 12,19 Sunflower Crop Energy Biodiesel Life cycle assessment 12,19 Ricinus communis L. 18,[36][37][38] Castor bean Adventive Energy Biodiesel Biodiesel quality; 18 transesterification; 36 seedoil characterization; 37 land suitability 38 Simmondsia chinensis (link) C.K. Schneid.…”

“…48,53 The main advantage of maintaining or promoting jojoba production is the knowledge acquired during recent decades; moreover, it has been adapted and grows under Chilean climatic conditions. 42 Castor bean is one of the oldest industrial oilseed crops worldwide, 62 and although commercial cultivars are available in some countries, they are mainly used in countries with tropical climates, 38,57 while no cultivars are available for Chilean conditions. Therefore, an evaluation of adventive castor bean germplasm is necessary to develop this crop for commercial purposes.…”