As other crops were identified having oils for potential industrial use, the scope of the organisation was expanded to include other industrial crops and the change of name. Natural rubber derived from Guayule is less allergenic and is marketed to allergy sufferers as an alternative to some latex.
An example of an industrial crop entering the commercial stage in the United States and Canada, is Camelina which is grown in the state of Montana in the United States and in the Canadian prairies with an alternative cropping option. Camelina seeds can be planted and harvested by conventional equipment including the same combines used for harvesting soybeans. But camelina offers nearly twice as much oil as soybeans and requires much less moisture than soybeans do. The oils could be processed for biodiesel and for lubricants. The lower moisture needs make this crop suitable for growing in more arid lands and countries with low annual rainfall. To diversify their agriculture, the state of Montana offered rebates to the farmers who ventured into growing camelina with the primary use as biofuel.
In Canada, progress has been made on improving the genetics of camelina to produce an in-crop broadleaf herbicide weed control option. The company’s literature indicates that the new generation of camelina are disease resistant, drought-tolerant and destined for in demand oilseed markets. As a specialty crop, camelina also tends to have relatively low input costs. Currently, the bulk of the Canadian grown camelina are used as a source of high in nutritionally important Omega fatty acids for equine, canine and aquaculture industries.
source of medium-chain fatty acids, especially lauric acid. It also contains other medium-chain fatty acids like caprylic, capric, and myristic acids. Cuphea oil contents range from 28% at high temperature regions to 33% in colder regions. The capric acid content ranged from 67% to 73% of total oil and always higher when grown in colder regions. Table 1 presents a short list of alternative sources of biobased oils and an estimate of gallons per acre output (Extracted from Biobased Lubricants and Greases Technology and Products). Numerous other like crops or seed sources are listed in the literature.
Table 1: A short list of alternative sources of biobased oils and an estimate of gallons per acre output.
It is logical to extrapolate the use of industrial crops with selective genetic enhancements for growing in varied parts the world. Drought resistant varieties, for example would be produced suitable for growing in the least suitable soils. Some industrial crops are likely already in existence that could supply the needed biofuel and industrial lubricants needs of the inhabitants of the areas where they grow. This could reduce dependence on mineral oils while providing a decentralised source for fuel and lubricants worldwide.
Figure 3: Camelina. Source:
https://smartearthcamelina.com (Downloaded May 1, 2022).
Another example would be Cuphea (Family Lythraceae) which is a perennial plant grown in the central United States with beautiful red flowers on the sides of major highways. Cuphea’s oil shows potential for use as biofuel and bio-lubricants. Cuphea is a
Figure 4: Examples of Industrial Crops. Continued on page 32 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.170 AUGUST 2022 31
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