Yield and biomass evaluation in intra-specific and inter-specific hybrids of Jatropha

Abstract

Jatropha curcas L. (jatropha) has received a great attention in renewable energy production. However, jatropha cultivar with high yield potential is lacking.. The objectives of this research were to assess the effect of genotype and environment on yield and biomass traits, study the effect of pruning on yield and biomass traits, and evaluate the relationship between yield and biomass in intra-specific hybrids of J. curcas and inter-specific hybrids between J. curcas and J. integerrima. Jatropha hybrid consisted of 13 intra-specific hybrids and 19 inter-specific hybrids were evaluated under field experiments during 2013-2015. Data were collected on fruit dry weight, seed dry weight, shelling percentage and biomass weight. The effect of genotype (G) and environment (E) were significant on yield and biomass traits, which was found in both intra-specific and inter-specific hybrids. However, effect of G x E interaction was found in intra-specific hybrids more than inter-specific hybrids. The highest fruit and seed yield were observed on intra-specific hybrid lines. Conversely, inter-specific hybrid lines gave the highest biomass yield. The pruning increased yield and biomass of both hybrid jatropha. However, intra-specific hybrids had higher increment of yield and biomass than inter-specific hybrids. Moreover, there were positive correlations between biomass with fruit dry weight and seed dry weight both intra-specific (r=0.84** and 0.88**) and inter-specific hybrids (r=0.63** and 0.64**). The study suggested that selection of hybrid jatropha for yield and biomass could be done.