Conservation strategies and management of Jatropha germplasm

Abstract

Jatropha curcas L. is of interest as a bio-fuel crop, triggering large investments and rapid expansion of cultivation areas, and yet, it is still being considered as a (semi-) wild, undomesticated plant. Bio-diesel is an alternative fuel in many developing and developed countries of the world. Shortage of edible oil for human consumption in developing countries does not favour its use for bio-diesel production. Jatropha has gained attention in both tropical and subtropical countries and has spread beyond its centre of origin, because of its hardiness, easy propagation, drought endurance, high oil content, rapid growth, adaptation to wide agro-climatic zones, and multiple uses of the plant as a whole. The key for success of any genetic improvement programme lies in the availability of genetic variability for desired traits. Since limited information is available with regard to its genetic variability, the information on conservation status and management of genetic resources of Jatropha species is compiled for its potential utilization.