Evaluation of Citrullus colocynthis, a desert plant native in Israel, as apotential source of edible oil

Citrulus colocynthis (wild gourd) is a desert plant of the Cucurbitaceae, n aturally adapted to arid environments. It was known in biblical times as a source of seed oil and its fruits were used as an efficient laxative. Acces sions were collected in Israel and evaluated as a potential oil seed crop a dapted to arid zones. It was found that its oil composition is similar to s afflower oil, with a total of 80-85% unsaturated fatty acids. A potential y ield of oil of 250-400 1 ha(-1) was calculated. The best yield was obtained during I:he first 4 weeks of the 10-week maturation period. Yield potentia l should be estimated under desert conditions in order to evaluate the plan t's economic future as a crop suitable for an arid environment. (C) 1998 Ac ademic Press.