Evaluation of substrates and genotypes in germination of Jatropha (Jatropha spp.) with edible potential

Abstract

Jatropha is a crop that has taken off globally for biofuel production; however, only in Mexico are edible genotypes that stand out for their high nutritional value, such as the Mixteca Puebla, which has high potential for growing jatropha. The present study aimed to evaluate four substrates (50% compost + 50% sand, 50% compost + 50% tezontle, 50% compost + 50% forest soil and 100% compost) on the germination of three genotypes (Tehuitzingo, Champusco and Totoltepec) jatropha. The experiment was established in 2013 in the experimental field of the Technological University of Izúcar de Matamoros (UTIM). The experimental randomized complete block design arranged in split plots was used. It turned out that the substrates 100% compost and compost 50% + 50% forest soil, it showed higher germination percentage, fewer days to emergence and increased dry weight of aerial part, too. Genotypes showed significant differences in the variables: percentage of germination, dry weight of shoot and root fresh weight of the aerial part. We conclude that the best substrate which is used 100% compost and the Totoltepec outstanding genotype.