Propagation of Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas L.) Using Different Rooting Media, IBA Hormone and Seed Treatments

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted at the nursery of the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology at Shambat, Sudan. The main objectives were to evaluate propagation means of Jatropha curcas using different rooting media, IBA hormone and seed treatments. Two experiments were conducted in two seasons 2012 and 2013. The first experiment was on sexual propagation using dry or water soaked sound and cracked seeds. The second experiment was to study different cutting lengths using different rooting media and IBA hormone. The studied shoot and root parameters were: number and length of roots, taproot and stem thickness, number of leaves and number and lengths of branches. Results showed that there were significant differences under P≤0.05 of different cutting length, IBA concentrations and the media on all measured parameters. Data obtained indicated that it is advisable to use 30 - 40 cm cuttings with IBA at 313 mg/L water in silt-loam rooting media resulted in the best root formation for mass propagation techniques of Jatropha curcas L. Seed experiment results also showed highly significant differences between all seed treatment combinations. From the results and observations obtained, dry seeds using silt-loam or sand enhanced J. curcas root establishment while compost media was best for shoot performance. For commercial multiplication of Jatropha plantation asexual propagation is recommended.