Somatic embryogenesis in Jatropha curcas

Jatropha curcas is an economically important member of the Euphorbiaceae family with numerous uses as a food source or fertilizer, as well as in the production of bioactive compounds and biodiesel. Propagation by seeds results in variation in the biochemistry of the plant, including oil productivity and other important compounds. In contrast, plant tissue culture offers the alternative approach of clonal propagation, which yields numerous genetically homogeneous plants. Although several studies associated with tissue culture in J. curcas have been published, the extensive genetic diversity of this semidomesticated plant makes it necessary to reevaluate and improve the established protocols with several genotypes. The application of herbicides with plant growth regulator activity could be useful for inducing somaclonal variation, which could then result in the addition of new agronomical traits. However, continuing studies in genetic diversity, molecular marker-assisted breeding, the production of secondary metabolites, and oils in in vitro cultures such as calli, suspension culture, and hairy roots are necessary to exploit the full potential of J. curcas. In this chapter, we will discuss recent studies of J. curcas plant tissue culture, as well as new research topics that will improve the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis.