Seed source variation and polybag size on early growth of Jatropha curcas.

Abstract

The study was carried out to find the variation in Jatropha curcas seed sources and the effect of polybag size on the growth of the seedlings. The germination experiment was laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications and the split plot design in RCBD with 3 replicates were used to lay the effect of polybag size and seed source on seedling growth. The results showed significant variation in seed weight from the various seed sources but no significant differences in seed length and seed width. The maximum seed germination was 98% and the lowest was 94%. Seedling growth of Jatropha curcas increased with increasing polybag size. Larger polybag size recorded the highest dry weight of seedling root (1.9 g), dry weight of seedling shoot (11.5 g), lateral root length (45.6 cm) and tap root length (22.3 cm). Based on the results obtained larger polybag size would be ideal for raising seedlings.