Short communicationClassification of Jatropha curcas L. genotypes into germplasm groups associated with the presence of phorbol esters by means of seed characteristics

- Classification of jatropha genotypes into germplasm groups associated with the absence/presence of phorbol esters by means of seed traits is a promising method to be implemented in germplasm characterization and management.
- The seed traits were generally under maternal control.
- In specific cases, paternal effects affected the expression of the seed traits investigated.

Jatropha curcas L. (jatropha) is a perennial plant with a high potential for sustainable production of food, feed and biofuels in the tropics and subtropics. Breeding is at an early stage and easily assessable seed traits could be used for germplasm classification and management. The main goal of this study was to investigate the potential of five seed traits to classify genotypes into germplasm groups associated with the presence of phorbol esters. The seed traits were evaluated in a panel of 31 genotypes (12 self-fertilized and 19 cross-fertilized). Within the set of self-fertilized genotypes, all traits showed clear contrasting frequencies between the germplasm groups. In the set of cross-fertilized seeds, paternal effects were present for specific genotype combinations. We conclude that classification of genotypes into germplasm groups associated with the presence of phorbol esters by means of seed traits is promising but needs further investigation with a larger set of genotypes, plants per genotype and environments. These results are of importance for management and characterization of jatropha germplasm.