Genetic studies in Jatropha curcas L

Abstract

The materials used in this study consisted of twenty seed sources of Jatropha curcas collected from different locations within the country and one from outside the country. These seed sources were evaluated for genetic variability and association studies in plant growth characters. Significant differences (p=0.01) were observed among seed sources for all the traits studied viz., plant height, basal diameter, number of branches and seed yield. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation and heritability also showed a sizeable variability. This offers a breeder ample scope to undertake screening and selection of seed sources for the desired traits. Correlation and path co-efficient analysis showed that genotypic correlation were higher than phenotypic correlation in all the traits studied. The traits also expressed a positive and significant genotypic inter correlation between themselves. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of branches registered the highest direct effect. Maximum positive indirect effect on seed yield was exerted by basal diameter through number of branches.