General Motors has entered into a five-year partnership with DOE to help develop the jatropha plant into an oil that can be refined into biodiesel fuel.  The plant is drought-resistant and non-edible.  The goal of the project is to develop new plant varieties that have high yields, can withstand frost, and can be grown in temperate climates of the U.S. with minimal care on marginal land.    Under the project, two jatropha farms will be established near a GM factory in India.  If jatropha is commercially viable, it will reduce dependence on petroleum as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote economic growth.  The program also reinforces GM India’s commitment to green technology and alternate fuel solutions to reduce dependence on fossil fuel.