In vitro clonal propagation of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.): Influence of additives

Abstract

An efficient regeneration method via axillary nodes has been developed for Jatropha curcas, which is a medicinal as well as a promising plant for biofuel production. This was achieved on MS medium with BA (3.0 mg/L) + IBA (1.0 mg/L) + Adenine sulfate (25 mg/L) + Glutamine (50 mg/L) +L- arginine (15 mg/L) + Citric acid (25 mg/l) within three to four weeks of inoculation. On an average, within a period of three subcultures, a single initial axillary node explant generated 100 shoots respectively there by favoring the economics of the cost of the materials and time factors. Plants were rooted on ½ strength MS medium supplemented with IBA (1.0-4.0 mg/L) and NAA (1.0-4.0 mg/L). The highest frequency of root induction was on the medium with 3.0 mg/L IBA. The in vitro raised plantlets were acclimatized in green house and successfully transplanted to the nursery. This is a first report of regeneration of Jatropha curcas with additives especially with L-arginine.