• Disclaimer and reservation
• Jatropha Curcas general data
• Generative propagation
• Vegetative propagation
• Intercropping
• Spacing / density
• Mowing
• Survival rate and stress conditions
• Pruning, clipping, cutting and car
• Flower and Fruit bearing
• Pollination
• Pest and diseases
• Fertilizing
• Fruit Harvesting
• Jatropha Bio-mass purposes
• Manure purposes
• Other purposes
• Oil expelling and purification process

Fruit Harvesting

Fruit harvesting is one of important things in Jatropha agribusiness. Some things to consider in fruit harvesting are harvest criteria, harvest techniques, fruit and seed draining and seed storing.

1. Harvest Criteria

Fruit harvesting is done right after the seeds have ripened, which is about 90 days after flower bearing. Ripe seeds are indicated with dry yellowish brown fruit husk. Another indication is half of the husk open naturally. When the husk opens, it means that the seeds are ripe already. Harvest which is too early carried out is causing oil substance decrease. While too late harvest causes fruits crushed so that the seeds fall at the ground.

2. Harvest Techniques

Techniques of harvesting can be done by quaking boughs repeatedly until the fruits fall (mechanically). But this way is less effective. The best way is picking up the fruits directly by hand from the boughs. Ripe rate of fruit at one bunch is not the same from one to another. Harvesting which is done fruit-by-fruit is less effective and will cost too much. That is why fruit harvesting is commonly carried out per bunch, not per fruit. In one bunch, there should be at least >50% of ripe fruit.

3. Fruit and Seed Draining

Draining is to be done by putting Jatropha fruit under a shaded shelter. Do not put the fruits directly in the sun because direct sun light has a negative effect to Jatropha seed quality. The fruits are drained until they naturally open. Take the seeds outside from the opened fruits and clean them. Drain the seeds during 1 day. If the seeds are not dry enough, they will be easily molded and broken. Jatropha seed must be drained until its water content is reaching 5 to 7%.

4. Seed storing

At an average 1 kg of seeds is equivalent to 1330 seeds. The seeds contain more than 35% of oil, between 35-40%. Storage of the raw material (seeds) is important for continuous operations. Two options are available bulk storage and bag-storage, the bag-storage is prevailed. The storehouses should be well ventilated in order to prevent molding and self-ignition. The location plays an important role, as it has a considerable impact on transport and storage costs. Storage at room temperature is most ideal for preservation during one year without loss of quality. However taking into account, that Jatropha seeds do contain a very high oil content, it is strongly recommended to avoid storage for a too long period. If possible, the seeds should be processed right after they have been drained.