Jatropha curcas L., a shrub or small tree (Euphorbiaceae) known as purging nut or
physic nut has of late gained importance as a biodiesel yielding plant (Devi
2012).
The plant produces seeds from its third year and the decorticated seeds
(kernels) contain 35 ‐ 55% (w/w) oil which is non‐edible due to the presence of
antinutritional factors like phorbol esters. Besides being used as biodiesel, the
seed‐oil has insecticidal, molluscicidal and fungicidal properties and the latex
has medicinal value (Devi 2012).
*Author for correspondence: .
232 Naresh et al.
To meet the demand for supply of quality planting material, to raise
plantations, various methods of propagation are being developed. Micropropagation
by in vitro culture technology can be applied for Jatropha (Devi 2012).
The present report contributes significantly to the development of a micropropagation
protocol.