Influence of seed orientation at different depths of sowing in Jatropha curcas

The studies on seed orientation based on caruncle (appendage) position and sowing depth revealed that Jatropha seeds are to be sown at a depth of two centimeter positioning the caruncle downwards for maximization of seed germination and seedling characteristics both during seed testing for evaluation of germination percentage and at nursery for production of higher percentage of plantable seedlings. However on bulk sowing irrespective of orientation, sowing of seed at 4 cm depth and irrespective of depth, downward orientation would be optimum for Jatropha seed for getting higher number of plantable seedlings.