Jatropha tissue culture: A critical review on present scenario and future prospects

Abstract

Ever increasing fuel prices and depletion of fossil reserves have ignited worldwide search for alternative renewable energy sources. Development of biofuels as an alternative and renewable source of energy has become critical in the national efforts towards maximum self-reliance, the corner stone of our energy security strategy. Ever since it was established that Jatropha methyl esters yields biodiesel of an exceptional quality and easy adaptation to semi-arid marginal lands, there has been a surge of interest in biodiesel “miracle tree”. Large scale cultivation remains the single most important factor that will ultimately determine the success of Jatropha curcas as a source of biofuel. Non-availability of superior clones/varieties, shortage of cuttings, low multiplication rate, gaps in knowledge of clonal technology, higher cost of clonal plantation, etc. are the major factors that limit large-scale cultivation. Recent advances in DNA technology and genetic transformation offer a credible approach for the genetic improvement of the species. The last decade witnessed a blooming interest in the development of micropropagation and transformation techniques for this energy crop. In this review, the achievements made during the last three decades in J. curcas micropropagation are presented.