Evaluation of different Jatropha curcas L. accessions under semi arid climatic condition
Abstract
An experiment was conducted in November, 2003 to collect various accessions of Jatropha curcas L. from different parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Chhatisgarh. During exploration a total 27 accessions were collected on the basis of plant growth number of primary branches number of fruits per plant, number of fruits per bunch, number of seeds per fruit, shape of seed and disease resistance etc. Seed from all the selected accessions were raised in nursery and planted in experimental field in August, 2004 in randomized block design in three replications. Spacing between plant to plant and row to row was kept 2m. Evaluation of accessions were done on the basis of plant growth and seed yield. Some of the accessions were selected for good seed yield in the second, third and forth year. Out of 27 accessions NRCJ-2 was selected in good seed yield in every year. On the basis of good yield NRCJ-2 was selected in 2nd, 3rd and 4th year (195.25 g), (489.30 g) and (530 g). In this study it is concluded that NRCJ-2 accession is a good potential planting material for semi arid climatic condition.
