Challenges in Reviving Castor a Biofuel and Industrial Feedstock in Texas.

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important crop to consider as a feedstock for bioenergy and industrial biopolymers and lubricants.  It is well adapted to the dominant ecosystems in the desert southwest of the U.S., with germplasm available with significant resistance to drought, heat and salinity.   Texas had a substantial castor industry from 1938- to 1972 but a decline castor oil prices resulted in a loss of this industry.  With the national quest for a non-food, non-feed biofuel feedstock that can be produced on marginal lands, castor has a natural fit.  As energy and refining companies have sought to bring castor on-line as a commercial crop, a number issues have developed which are the focus of research and Extension education including the development of best management practices, plant breeding and screening to enhance tolerance to heat, drought and salinity; reduce toxic proteins in castor; develop  logistics to reduce the potential of contamination of feed and food grains produced in the vicinity or in rotation with castor and Extension educational programming on the potential and risks of castor production. 

Castor holds the potential of significantly increasing income for droughty, marginally irrigated and salt affected lands in Texas.  A significant effort is being made to develop castor as a safe and profitable crop for Texas, both as a biofuel and a feedstock for Texas chemical refineries.