Diversity between Jatropha curcas L. accessions based on oil traits and X-ray digital images analysis from it seeds

• Published in: Crop breeding and applied biotechnology 2018-09, Vol.18 (3), p.292-300
• Main Authors: Pinto, Milena Silva, Damasceno Junior, Pedro Corrêa, Oliveira, Lucas Couto de, Machado, Adelia Ferreira de Faria, Souza, Marco Andre Alves de, Muniz, Dandara Rêgo, Dias, Luiz Antônio dos Santos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AGRONOMY; Biodiesel fuels; Biofuels; BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY; Digital imaging; Endosperm; Genetic diversity; Jatropha curcas; Oils & fats; Seeds
• ISSN: 1518-7853; 1984-7033; 1984-7033
• DOI: 10.1590/1984-70332018v18n3a43

Jatropha curcas L. is a species with high potential for the biodiesel production. Therefore, the oil yield and quality from it seeds should be known. This study aimed to estimate the correlation between morphological traits, yield and oil quality evaluated in the seeds, to know the genetic diversity between J. curcas accessions and it behavior regarding to three harvest seasons. For this purpose, X-ray digital images from seeds of 18 accessions were obtained, and the seeds analyzed for external and internal morphological aspects. The same seeds were analyzed for oil yield and quality. In general, the results concerning diversity indicated a narrow genetic base. More rounded and very long seeds had lower oil yield. Larger seeds presented higher oil yield only when their internal cavity was filled by their endosperm. Most of the accessions showed variation regarding the size of the endosperm, yield and oil quality between harvest seasons.