• Disclaimer and reservation
• Jatropha Curcas general data
• Generative propagation
• Vegetative propagation
• Intercropping
• Spacing / density
• Mowing
• Survival rate and stress conditions
• Pruning, clipping, cutting and car
• Flower and Fruit bearing
• Pollination
• Pest and diseases
• Fertilizing
• Fruit Harvesting
• Jatropha Bio-mass purposes
• Manure purposes
• Other purposes
• Oil expelling and purification process

Propagation methods: generative propagation

There are two kinds of plant propagation; generative plant propagation and vegetative plant propagation. Generative plant propagation requires seeds taken from ripe fruits. While vegetative plant propagation can be conducted by stalk or stem cutting and micro cutting (in-vitro culture).

Plants from seedlings form normally five roots: one tap root and 4 lateral roots. Plants from micro- (in vitro) and macro- (branch) cuttings do not develop the tap root (unless root modification has been used), only the laterals. The use of plant hormones by cuttings helps to improve the roots formation.  Each method has different levels of labor insensitivity and risks for good establishment. Factors influencing the establishment of the plants for the plantation are seeding depth, age and quality of seed, soil moisture content and soil preparation quality.

Generative propagation

Planting Jatropha by using the generative plant propagation method starts with producing good quality seeds of Jatropha. Germination can be done by soaking seeds in water during 12 to 24 hours. Add insecticide liquid, like Aldrine or Azodrine, 2cc per liter water. These insecticides protect the seeds from ants or other pests during planting. Selected seeds are those from ripe fruits. To produce a high quality plant, grade-A seeds are preferably chosen. The grade-A seeds look completely dark. Hereafter the seeds are planted on planting media in poly bag. Each poly bag is containing one seed. Each bag has been filled with plant media which contain top soil mixed with animal fertilizer. A mixture of husk charcoal, shell of coconut and compound fertilizer, can be used also as plant media. Seed place is shaded by using coconut leafs, or hay. Seedlings take about 2 to 3 months. During the seedling period, there are several tasks to do; watering, mowing, and selecting. The watering is to be conducted twice a day, each morning and afternoon. Mowing is to be conducted when seeds reach about 45 days. Mowing is to be carried out by removing all parasitical herbs around the poly bag, manually. Use of pre-emergence herbicide can also be done to kill parasitical herbs. A selection process is necessary in order to get healthy and strong seed plants. Abnormal and disqualified seeds are to be removed.

1. Direct seeding on land

From own experience we know, that in most cases direct seeding has low survival rates. Only under good conditions of a well prepared soil and optimal moisture content and using 3 seeds per hole direct seeding may be successful.

2. Transplanting from seedlings (nursery)

Good survival rates (>90%) are achieved with transplanting methods and followed by direct planting of cuttings. Important factors, which are of influence are type and length of pre-cultivation, planting date, moisture content, and a medium of seedbed/container. After 6-8 months, the seedlings in the nursery should be replanted at their permanent spot. If this is done later, the taproot will be destroyed and the plant will not strike properly.