Germination Rates of Six Provenances of Jatropha Curcas Under Varying Pre-Germination Treatments

This study was undertaken to ascertain the early growth responses of six Jatropha curcas L provenances subjected to various pre-germination treatments. Data parameters included emergence of roots and shoots, length of roots and shoots, percent survival, number of leaves and germination rate. Results of the study revealed significant differences for both provenance and pre-treatment methods. Though significant variation was observed for the different parameters evaluated, no clear trend was established from the generated data. It can also be deduced from results that the germination-associated processes studied had a strong genetic component. Similar growth responses were also observed for Jatropha curcas provenances from very diverse origins implying genetic uniformity for the species despite spatial dispersal. The differential responses observed in the Jatropha provenances can thus be attributed to phenotypic plasticity and not due to environmental factors. Furthermore, more studies on Jatropha germination are warranted to definitely establish/refute these results.