Cape Verde to pursue jatropha R&D; cautions that jatropha susceptible to mosaic virus

In Cape Verde, the National Agrarian Research and Development Institute said that it will commence R&D efforts on jatropha as a biofuel feedstock.  Environment, Rural Development and Sea Resources minister José Maria Veiga said that research would focus on a Cap Verde-sepcific variant of the plant, but said the country would focus not on biodiesel production, but growing seeds for export. R&D will focus on developing varietals that will flourish overseas while still providing up to 7 pounds in nuts per year.

The minister said that jatropha was an attractor of mosaic virus, and that plants would be cultivated in a sequestered area.

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