Plant science programme:

Jatropha curcas is an under-developed crop that has never been grown commercially on a large scale.

D1's plant science programme sets it apart from other biodiesel producers. D1 has gathered some of the world's leading plant science experts to develop Jatropha sustainably. D1 believes that its plant science division has obtained first mover advantage in the development of new Jatropha curcas cultivars that will result in improved productivity and commercial viability. Cultivars are varieties of a plant that have been created or selected intentionally and maintained through cultivation.

D1 has established plant science teams in each of D1's key planting areas. These field-based scientists support plantation activities and gather data for the development of the crop.

The key strategic objectives of the D1 Oils science & technology programme are:

To develop Jatropha curcas into a cultivated crop and to establish optimal growing maps
To breed superior Jatropha curcas cultivars
To establish key technology platforms and methods to maximise oil supply and value of the meal by-products left after oil extraction
To create plantations of Jatropha curcas cultivars in target areas of adaptation and research performance
To multiply and produce seed or seedlings of selected Jatropha curcas cultivars for planting in zones of adaptation
To establish a stewardship programme to support D1's plantation partners in the sustainable and predictable supply of oil, optimally adapted for the production of biodiesel

D1 Oils Plant Science Belgium N.V.
Technololgiepark 3
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
Tel: +32 9 241 56 10
Email: D1 Oils