Characterization in Oil-seed crop Jatropha curcas

Seed Characterization and Oil Estimates in Graded Seeds of Jatropha curcas was carried out under the Jatropha Improvement Project. The accessions were selected and the case study was recorded on important characters. The main objectives of the studies were to estimate genetic variability for yield attributes, characterize the capsules and seeds, estimate genetic variability for oil content and relate oil content with seed grades in fresh and stored seeds. The simultaneous occurrence of traits in plant, revealed that various accessions have assembly of five traits. Out of three seed characteristics length, breadth and thickness seed length with gradable variability was used to develop seed grades. The oil content in filled seed were found high then unfilled seeds. The unfilled class of fresh seed divided into subclass were observed with partially developed kernels, shell with pericarp and underdeveloped seed. The grading based on seed vs. seed number and yield revealed that grade across majority of accession possess higher number of seeds as well as highest fraction of yield among all the grades.