Studies on the induction of variation through in vitro culture in Jatropha curcas L

Abstract

Given the economic importance of Jatropha curcas, and its limited newlineavailability in the wild, it would be desirable to establish plantations ofthe tree so newlineas to obtain assured supply of raw material for extraction of phytochemicals, and newlineseeds for production of biodiesel. However both seed propagation as well as newlinepropagation by cuttings is unsatisfactory in this tree species. Seeds have poor newlineviability and are genetically heterozygous leading to genetic variability in terms of newlinegrowth, biomass, seed yield, and oil content. Stern cuttings have poor roots and the newlinetrees are easily uprooted. Tissue culture techniques could possibly be gainfully newlineemployed in the propagation of elite plants ofJaIropha. newlineWhen plant tissue is passaged through in vitro culture, there is possibility newlineof induction of variations. An estimation of somaclonal variability is useful in a newlinedetermination of culture protocols. Molecular markers could be employed to newlineestimate the amount of variations induced in callus and regenerants by different newlinehonnonal combinations used in culture. newlineIn this context the present study aims to develop an in vitro propagation newlineprotocol for the production of plantlets and to evaluate the variation induced in newlinecallus and regenerants in comparison with mother plant by the use of molecular newlinemarkers and by studying phytochemicals and bio active compounds present in newlinecallus and regenerated plants newline