The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ripening stage of the fruits on the increase in dry matter and oil content of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) seeds. The quality of the oil was also investigated and related to the ripening stage. The fruits were classified in four classes of colors: green, yellow, brown-yellow and brown (dry fruits). Samples of fruits were collected for each ripening stage and the analysis of water content, size, volume and numbers of seeds were performed. For the seeds, water content, size, volume, mass of thousand seeds, oil content and acid value were evaluated. The harvest of brown-yellow and brown fruits provided higher yields in dry matter and oil of seeds. The brown-yellow fruits presented higher oil yield and dry matter, lower acid value, so it represent the more suitable ripening stage for harvesting fruits and seeds for industrial uses.
Jatropha curcas L; harvest time; mass maturity
