1. INTRODUCTION
Jatropha curcas Linn is an oil bearing tree or
shrub that grows in almost all subtropical and tropical
areas. It has been identified as sustainable biodiesel
feedstock because it is a non food crop that can grow
without much water. Jatropha belongs to the family
Euphorbiaceous and has been considered one of the most
promising alternatives for biofuel production and thus a
relevant economic crop (Kumar and Reddy 2012). The
genus Jatropha comprises over 175 native species,
occurring in South to Central America (Mukherjee et al.
2011), Asia and Africa (Opens haw 2000, Kumar and
Reddy 2012). The most important aspect of this species
is its large potential for biofuel production, owing to
high oil content of the seed, rapid growth and stiffness of
the plant (Mukherjee et al. 2011).