Analysis of diversity and distribution of Jatropha curcas L. germplasm using Geographic Information System (DIVA-GIS)

Jatropha curcas L., an important biodiesel plant, has been studied for its distribution and diversity in south east coastal zone of India using DIVA-GIS. The Grid maps were generated on the distribution pattern, plant height, number of primary branches, collar length, number of fruits per cluster and oil content. Flowering in the collected accessions were grouped in to very early (35%), early (29%), medium duration (10%), late (20%), and very late (6%) types. Analysis for richness using rarefaction method of DIVA-GIS showed that Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh is the potential area for germplasm with high oil content. The present study revealed that diverse germplasm accessions of J. curcas are distributed all over the south east coastal zone and enabled us to find out gaps in collection and diversity richness from SEC zone of India for conservation.