Rubber seed: an orphan agricultural produce

摘要

The geometric population increase poses huge pressures on energy, food and better lifestyle. The nation's petroleum resource which has been predicted to be decreasing in volume, price and is also hazardous to the environment have directed research to other forms of energy source. One potential source is the rubber seed oil. Hevea brasillensis is an important tree popularly known for its latex production which is useful in the rubber industry. Little attention is given to its other parts like the seed. Rubber seed is high in oil, essential, non-essential amino acids and fat content and can also be a source of energy as bio diesel. It is a cheaper alternative sources of feed and can be a source of diversification of the Nigerian economy. The objective of this paper was to encourage the full harness of the Para rubber tree so as to serve as a means of income for farmers and Nation at large.