Mass Multiplication of Jatropha curcas L. through Micropropagation

Abstract

The economic importance of J. curcas has increased recently due to its use as bio-diesel producing crop. Plantation of J. curcas has been envisaged in various developing countries to produce bio-diesel. Demand of elite quality planting material of Jatropha is increasing and mass multiplication of elite clone is possible through micropropagation. A series of experiments were conducted to develop protocol for this purpose. Findings of the  experiments suggest that axillary buds from fresh shoots are ideal explant for initiation of cultures. MS medium supplemented with BAP (1 mg/I), IAA (1 mg/I), adenine sulfate (10 mg/I) and citric acid (30 mg/I) found suitable for shoot multiplication and elongation. Shoots were rooted on half strength MS medium supplemented with NAA (3 mg/I)+ IBA (1 mg/I) + charcoal (250 mg/I). However, success in rooting of shoots was limited (65%). Performance of plants raised through tissue culture were very encouraging as they plants attained a height of 8feet and started bearing fruits after 5 months of planting.