Genetic Variability in Growth and Seed Traits of Jatropha curcas L.Germplasm for Genetic Tree Improvement

A 23 candidate plus trees of Jatropha curcas were selected from the states of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Haryana in India. A total 14 seed traits and growth parameters were measured and their genetic values and correlation was calculated to serve as base information for further tree improvement and breeding program of J. curcas. Significantly treatment sum of squares were observed for all these traits under the study indicating an existence of a substantial variability revealed high PCV and GCV values for number of branches, number of primary branches, initial collar diameter of plant and seed yield per plant. The PCV values were higher than GCV values for all the traits, while the difference between PCV and GCV magnitude were minimum for number of seeds per fruit. High heritability was observed for number secondary branches and seed yield per plant with high genetic advance. These traits may be considered for selection and improvement of Jatropha accessions/genotypes. Positive and significant correlation exists between number of fruit per plant, number seed per fruit, 100 seed weight and seed yield. Accessions RJ-88, RJ-90, RJ-92, RJ-93, RJ- RJ-123, RJ-124 and RJ- 133 showed above average higher values for growth and seed traits attributes (viz. number of secondary branches, number of fruits per plant, 100 seed Test weight, shelling percentage, oil content and seed yield per plant. Identified promising genotype with favorable traits for future establishment of elite seedling seed orchard for varietal and hybridization programme of tree.