Quantitative genetic parameters of agronomic and quality traits in a global germplasm collection reveal excellent breeding perspectives for Jatropha curcas L.

Jatropha curcas L. (jatropha) is an undomesticated plant, which has received great attention in recent years for its potential in biofuel production and in greening and rehabilitation of wastelands. Yet the absence of improved cultivars and the lack of agronomic knowledge are limiting factors for successful jatropha cultivation. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the perspectives of a worldwide jatropha breeding program and specifically to (i) estimate variance components and heritabilities for agronomic and quality traits in the early phase of cultivation; (ii) assess phenotypic and genetic correlations among those traits; and (iii) discuss strategies for breeding high yielding jatropha cultivars. Data on various traits was collected from 375 jatropha genotypes, which were tested at seven locations during the first 3 years of growth. The accumulated seed yields and the seed yields per harvest year differed significantly among the testing locations. The estimates of genetic and genotype‐by‐environment interaction variances were significant and estimates of heritabilities were high for all yield parameters. The estimates of genetic correlations indicated a strong association among yield parameters. Oil yield was strongly correlated with seed yield and only weakly with oil content in seeds. The perspectives of a jatropha breeding program are excellent. Improved cultivars, definition of favorable environmental factors and refinement of agronomic management practices are needed to secure sustainable jatropha cultivation.