Germination and early growth of Jatropha curcas L from different seed sources

Abstract

Germination and early growth of Jatropha curcas from different seed sources in Benue State were assessed over a period of ten weeks. Jatropha curcas L. is a tropical species from the family Euphobiaceae. Special interest has been shown in the cultivation of the species for oil extraction, especially since it is drought resistant and can be cultivated on marginal land, without competing with food crops. The ripe fruits of Jatropha curcas were collected from the ground; and directly on mother trees from distinct sources (provenance) (Ukum, Makurdi and Otukpo) areas in Benue, Nigeria. Benue state was stratified into three ecological zones; and each source (provenance) was purposively selected from each zone as a result of seeds availability. Fifty seeds where collected from each of the three sources; making a total of 150 seeds planted for this study. The data collected were based on germination rate, seedlings girth, number of leaves, height, and leaf area. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistic. The results of the germination indicated that for the first 5 days there was no germination. The seeds sourced from Otukpo had the best growth performance in terms of seedling height (15.25cm), leaf number (4.39), girth (0.8cm), leaf area (62.63cm2). While seeds sourced from Makurdi had the least growth performance. Thus, it is recommended that J. curcas plantation can be established in the study area, using seeds sourced from Otukpo.