Tissue culture studies of Jatropha species: A review

Abstract

The genus Jatropha L., is distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics, growing in marginal lands and is a potential biodiesel crop worldwide. The plants can prevent soil erosion, grown as a live fence and used as an alternative commercial crop. The seed oil can be used as a feed stock for biodiesel, in soap, glue and dye industry. All parts of the plant including seeds have medicinal properties. This review focuses on in vitro propagation of Jatropha species except J. curcas viz., J. glandulifera, J. gossypifolia, J. multifida, J. panduraefolia, J. integerrima, J. villosa, J. podagrica, J. tanjorensis and J. nana.