Evaluation of hydrocarbon plants suitable for cultivation in Florida. [Euphorbia tirucalli, E. lathyris, and Asclepias curassavica]
Most of the hydrocarbon plants reported in the literature are not suitable for cultivation under Florida conditions. Preliminary results of field and greenhouse trials have indicated two species; Euphorbia tirucalli, which is suitable only for south Florida and Asclepias curassavica which has shown promise for the entire state. The hydrocarbon content of E. tirucalli increases with age of the plants (8.19-11.90%), whereas, that of A. curassavica is influenced positively by fertilization (3.62%) and negatively by supplemental irrigation (2.75%). A comparison between the results of field trials with A. curassavica in Florida and E. lathyris in California shows similar biomass yields under unirrigated conditions, despite 3.6 to 7.8 times greater nitrogen application for E. lathyris. Because of environmental conditions in Florida, E. lathyris is not capable of good growth. It is suggested that future research on hydrocarbon plants should concentrate on selection of individuals or species with vigorous, upright growth habits, low fertilizer-irrigation requirements and high hydrocarbon contents. 18 references.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Florida, Gainesville
- OSTI ID:
- 6764356
- Journal Information:
- Soil Crop Sci. Soc. Fla., Proc.; (United States), Vol. 42
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
EUPHORBIA
PRODUCTIVITY
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
HYDROCARBONS
PRODUCTION
MILKWEED
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
CALIFORNIA
FERTILIZERS
FIELD TESTS
FLORIDA
IRRIGATION
NITROGEN
PLANT GROWTH
SPECIES DIVERSITY
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION IV
FEDERAL REGION IX
GROWTH
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
TESTING
USA
090122* - Hydrocarbon Fuels- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass- (1976-1989)
140504 - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)