Impact of waterlogging on Jatropha curcas L. (biodiesel plant)

It is estimated that ca. 16% of the world’s agro-climatic areas are affected by waterlogging. It causes significant reduction in the yield of several crops. Jatropha curcas L. is a deciduous shrub, drought-resistant but prone to waterlogging, oil bearing plant species, widely distributed in tropical and sub-tropical areas viz., in Central and South America, Africa, India and Southeast Asia. The plant produces useful products particularly seeds from which oil can be extracted (~35%), may be used in soap and cosmetics industries, and also as an important substitute for diesel and kerosene. Accordingly, it is expected that by 2015, Jatropha may be planted on 12.8 mha land globally for blending of fossil diesel with biodiesel across the world under climate change to mitigate green house gases (GHGs). An improved carbon assimilation through photosynthesis to achieve enhanced net plant produce and oil content is the need of future. Therefore, an agro-profitable cultivation of Jatrpoha be recommended with careful crop management through precision irrigation in years to come to enhance plant performance and seed yield to sustain bio-fuel production, bio-refining and bio-economy