Somatic Embryogenesis Media Optimization Study of Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas) as Biodiesel Feedstock

Jatropha curcas as potential biodiesel feedstock is difficult to propagate through tissue culture. The research development for Jatropha is massive nowadays and propagation can be conducted through conventional or non- conventional techniques in biotechnology. Biotechnology approach through organogenesis and embryogenesis pathways is needed. The objectives of the research were to obtain in vitro culture media optimization through embryogenesis pathway. Plant materials used in this experiment were embryo axis and cotyledon to obtain somatic embryo. The result of the experiment showed that somatic embryos were obtained only from MS medium supplemented with picloram 1.0 mg/l for both embryo axis and cotyledon explant.