Jatropha curcas L: A predominant Panacea for Energy Security and Climate Change

Abstract

The paper considers Jatropha plant as alternative source of biofuel and sustainable option to mitigate damages caused by climate change on environment. As nonrenewable sources of energy gets depleted other sources starts to unearth by considering all techniques prevailing today. Though Jatropha is under domestication and there are number of constrains that hindering its improvement, it is most viable and widely accepted biodiesel producing species. Being very less demanding plant there is knowledge gaps that concerning the best production practices and the potential benefits and risks to the environment. The certain breeding objectives specific to yield enhancement and stability needs to consider. Critical assessment of prevailing germ plasm and development of new variability for important traits like oil (content and quality) could be further goal for planned breeding strategies. All the uses of this drought tolerant species have to studied clearly to reveal future breeding programme. Genetic improvement using conventional and molecular breeding approaches has to be increased at more places and integrated with latest biotechnological techniques for reducing time and increasing efficiency of breeding.