Assessment of three Armeniaca species seed oils for biodiesel traits

Rate of almond, oil content of almond, oil content of kernel, fatty acid composition and biodiesel traits analyses of almond oils were performed for 27 superior trees representing three widely distributed Armeniaca species in China. The oil contents of the kernels of Armeniaca sibirica (Linn.) Lam., Armeniaca mandshurica (Maxim.) Skv. and Armeniaca vulgaris var.ansu (Maxim.) Yü et Lu were 50.18%, 47.16% and 53.20%, respectively. However, A. sibirica oil content of kernel was comparably higher, i.e., 21.14%. A. sibirica superior tree AS-80 has been identified as the ideal biodiesel germplasm resource while A. sibirica superior trees AS-17 and AS-27 and A. vulgaris var.ansu superior trees AV-45, AV-48 and AV-62 were found to be the most promising and potential biodiesel germplasm resources. The establishment of promising genotypes plantations through clonal means can result in increased productivity.