State of the art of genetic diversity research in Jatropha curcas

Abstract

Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) is a mesoamerican plant. However, till date, it is extensively grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The seeds have high oil content, which can be transformed into biodiesel. In the present review, the geographical origin of J. curcas is discussed, then, advances of research in the genetic diversity are summarized and contrasted. Proposed future research in this species include: (a) the collection and characterization of germplasm around the world, including the center of origin, (b) the study of the genetic variation within the context of population genetics, using morphological, chemical and molecular markers, (c) the use of genome information from other Euphorbiaceae, and subsequently (d) crop breeding to increase oil productivity.   Key words: Jatropha, Mexico, molecular markers, population genetics.