Biofuels

High-yielding canola for biodiesel

Biofuels can help significantly to conserve finite resources and counteract global climate change.

The growing global demand for biofuels is leading to a distinct increase in the use of agricultural raw materials to produce plant-based fuels. Bayer CropScience markets a comprehensive range of crop protection products for the major energy crops sugar cane, corn and wheat, all used to produce bioethanol and oilseed crops such as canola and soybeans which are used to produce biodiesel. In addition, Bayer CropScience has for many years held a leading position in the North American market with its high-yielding InVigor® canola seed which can be processed into biodiesel. It has been shown that InVigor® can produce yields which are about 20 percent higher on average than those achieved with regular hybrid varieties. If we translate the yield of Canadian canola, for example, into the liter yield of biodiesel per hectare, InVigor® produces around 190 liters more biodiesel per hectare than other hybrid canola seed. Biodiesel produces around 1.5 kilograms of CO₂ per liter less than fossil fuel. The fossil-fuel input into the production of biofuel has already been factored into this calculation.

One approach to respond to the acreage competition involves the inedible jatropha plant. It flourishes in soil that is unsuitable for food production. Jatropha seed is over 30 percent oil, which can be used as a raw material for biodiesel. Bayer CropScience is planning to cooperate in a research project with partners to drive the use of jatropha-based biodiesel. The company’s particular know-how regarding the question of a future-oriented, economically efficient cultivation of this crop will be proving very useful.