Plant Biotechnology Unit
at the IAM, BOKU
Research projects
In vitro culture of plants with seed producing oil (Jatropha curcas)
Duration: 1993-1997
Supported by: Fa. Sucher und Holzer, Graz, in the frame of a project for Developing Countries
Jatropha curcas L. (purging nut) is a tropic, drought resistant species from the family Euphobiaceae. Today, this species is planted in wide areas throughout the tropics and subtropics and has received much attention due to its high yield in oil, which can be used as fuel for diesel engines as well as for medical and insecticidal purposes. So far, Jatropha curcas has been propagated wither through seeds or through cuttings.
As part of an austrian project for developing countries whoes major aim is to provide
alternative fuel produced from the seeds of Jatropha curcas, at the IAM
methods for rapid multiplication and genetic improvement of the plant material were elaborated.
This could be achieved by axillary branching on one hand and by adventitious bud
formations on leaf discs on the other hand.
Rev.1.0 by Siegfried Huss