Genetic variability in Jatropha curcas accessions

Genetic variation of ample magnitude was recorded among ten accessions of Jatropha curcas L. Low estimates of differences for phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) coupled with high heritability (broad sense) for the characters plant height and collar diameter indicated that these are genetically controlled and less influenced by environment. Highest estimate of genetic advance was recorded for plant height. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicates that good amount of heritable additive genetic component can be effectively utilized for improvement of species. Almost all the characters showed positive and significant correlation with each other except collar diameter, which exhibited negative correlation with all the characters under study. Non-Hierarchical Euclidian cluster analysis revealed formation of 4 clusters. Accessions of Cluster IV and III were recorded with high mean performance for different characters which can be exploited as potential parents/donors.