Utilizing Plant Tissue Culture Protocol for Propagation of Jatropha curcas- A Semi-arid Tree Species in Maiduguri, Nigeria

This study examines the in vitro propagation of Jatropha curcas, a drought resistant tree species valued for its medicinal uses, biofuel production, and soil rehabilitation in arid regions. The research addresses the challenges of natural regeneration by employing micropropagation, as an alternative method for large-scale propagation. The explants were obtained from a healthy tree, sterilized and cultured in full strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, at different concentrations of Benzyle adenine (BA) and Indole-3-buteric acid (IBA). The data on shoot proliferation, leaf number, and shoot length were recorded after four weeks. The parameters recorded were statistically analyzed and means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (P<0.05). Best response was observed in a MS medium (full Strength) supplemented with low level of BA (0.5mg/l) and IBA (0.2mg/l) showing shoot height of 1.567cm. The study reveals that high phenolic exuded by explants leading to hyperhydricity, and low moisture condition, hinders explant growth and development. None of the explant rooted when cultured on the rooting media (half MS media supplemented with Plant Growth Regulators IBA and NAA) but rather produces some substance appearing to be callus at the base of the plantlets which necessitated for histological analysis. The histological studies show, no any irregularities in the tissues structures and organization that might prevent the plantlet from rooting. From the result of this study, it can be concluded that the use of full-strength MS media supplemented with a very low Cytokinin and Auxin could be suitable for propagating Jatropha curcas in vitro. It is recommended that further research be undertaken to improve proliferation and rooting efficiency, for possibilities of substituting the conventional method of propagating of these tree species.