Kaluram Gopale and Rajendra Zunjarrao Diversity and Propagation Studies of Jatropha curcas

1. As earlier report suggests that, there is strong influence of agro-climatic conditions on yield and oil content. Our study also shows similar conclusion. In Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha and Western Maharashtra agro-climatic regions are suitable for plantation of J. curcas. Therefore, it is recommended plantation should be promoted in these regions. 2. Morphological, Biochemical and Molecular diversity estimated moderate to high genetic diversity exist in Maharashtra, thus, it can be recommended that, there is ample scope for selection and genetic improvement of the species, through i. Mass selection ii. Mutation breeding iii. Inter-specific hybridization iv. Alien gene transfer 3. Potential of the new varieties has to be further tested for their performance through multi-location trials. 4. The tissue culture protocol serves as prelude for genetic improvement through biotechnological tools. Reported protocol in this book is quite efficient for production of elite Jatropha plantlets on large-scale with high multiplication rate. 5. Tissue culture protocol will be useful in somatic hybridization, inter-specific crosses limited by crossability barriers somatic embryogen