It has been shown that InVigor™ can produce yields which are about 20 percent higher on average than those achieved with regular hybrid varieties. If we translate the yield of Canadian canola, for example, into the liter yield of biodiesel per hectare, InVigor™ produces around 190 liters more biodiesel per hectare than other hybrid canola seed. Biodiesel produces around 1.5 kilograms of CO2 per liter less than fossil fuel. The fossil-fuel input into the production of biofuel has already been factored into this calculation.
One approach to respond to the acreage competition involves the inedible jatropha plant. It flourishes in soil that is unsuitable for food production. Jatropha seed is over 30 percent oil, which can be used as a raw material for biodiesel. Bayer CropScience is planning to cooperate in a research project with partners to drive the use of jatropha-based biodiesel. The company’s particular know-how regarding the question of a future-oriented, economically efficient cultivation of this crop will be proving very useful.