EFFECT OF DRYING METHODS ON CRAMBE (Crambe abyssinica HOCHST) SEED COAT PIGMENTATION AND ON OIL AND BIODIESEL QUALITY

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different drying methods on seed coat pigmentation and quality of oil and biodiesel extracted from crambe. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replications, totaling 20 plots. The treatments consisted of drying with heated air, natural air, ground, in the shade and in the plant. Physical and chemical analyzes were performed to verify the quality of grain, oil and biodiesel. The largest amounts of chlorophyll a and b and green beans and the lowest oil content were found in artificial drying with heated air. It was concluded that the drying in the plant presented grains and oil of better quality, but do not interfering in the quality of biodiesel, which has met the standards required by the ANP.