Bio-Fuel Agro-Forestry Industrial Production System of Mahula (Madhuca latifolia L.): Process Development and Future Perspectives

摘要

Mahula (Madhuca latifolia L.) is a deciduous tree commonly found in the tropical rain forests of Asian and Australian continent. The tree species, however, has been domesticated by tribal people in India for use as food (flowers), feed (leaves and flowers), wood (timber), oil (seeds) and beverage (flowers) locally called 'mahuli'. The flowers of this tree are a rich source (40-60% on dry weight basis) of fermentable sugars (glucose and fructose). The tribals in India produce traditional country liquor called 'mahuli' by mixed culture of yeast fermentation of mahula flowers at home and semi- commercial levels for their own consumption. The flowers and seeds of mahula tree can be employed to produce bio-ethanol (from flowers) and bio-diesel (from seeds). Therefore, this review summarizes the progress made on agro-industrial technology for production of bio-fuels from mahula plants (flowers and seeds) and further its future perspectives.