A simple regeneration protocol from stem explants of Jatropha curcas-A biodiesel plant

A simple, rapid and cost effective protocol has been developed for high frequency regeneration using stem segments of elite genotypes (CSMCRI-I, CSMCRI-II and CSMCRI-III) of Jatropha curcas. Shoot bud induction (10-15 buds per explant) was achieved on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 ml−1 benzylaminopurine (BAP) in combination with 1.0 mg l−1 6-furfurylamino purine (KN). Stem explant of CSMCRI-II showed highest response (65.3%) followed by CSMCRI-I and CSMCRI-III. These shoot buds developed into shoots when subcultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l−1 BAP and 1.0 mg l−1 IAA (indole-3-acetic acid). Shoots of 4.0-5.0 cm length were harvested and cultured on MS medium containing different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 40% rooting was achieved in 0.1 mg l−1 IBA after 5 weeks in all the genotypes used. For direct rooting, shoots of 4.0-5.0 cm length were used and rooting was achieved by dipping the base of shoots in MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l−1 IBA and 3.5% sodium alginate matrix and subsequently dropping in polymerization medium containing 2.0% calcium chloride. Encapsulated shoots were transferred in polybags filled with sterile soil wetted with sterile distilled water containing 0.5% broad-spectrum fungicide (Bavistine). Rooting could be achieved in 62% of shoots within 3 weeks. Rooted plantlets were successfully hardened and transferred to green house with 92% establishment.