Current research and development status of Pongamia pinnata L. (Karanj): A biofuel species

Abstract

Pongamia pinnata (Karanj), a multipurpose, biofuel tree has recently gained high attention due to worldwide depleting resources and increasing prices of fossil fuel. It’s current R&D status on different aspects viz. phenology, reproductive biology, breeding and improvement, genetic diversity at molecular and morphological levels, abiotic stress tolerance, clonal and micro-propagation, nursery technique, cultivation practice, agroforestry models, allelopathic effect, effect of biofertilizers, yield and economics have been reviewed in this paper. Results of a large number of potentially useful germplasm accessions (1426) collected by different institutions from different agro-ecological zones of country are discussed. All the studies have reported high genetic diversity and variability in morphological traits, seed yield and oil content of Pongamia. Promising genotypes identified through germplasm and progeny evaluation trials are presented. Reduction in gestation period and standardization of propagation techniques are desirable achievements. Use of clonally propagated elite trees will improve economic viability of its cultivation. Research on detoxification of seed cake for use as animal feed and in biogas production has increased its potential value. Future thrust areas of research are also suggested.