Jatropha curcas L., also known as purging nut, belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, is a latex containing multipurpose plant with several attributes and considerable potential and has evoked interest all over the tropics as a potential biofuel crop. J. curcas is a native of Mexico and Central American region and was later introduced in many parts of the tropics and sub-tropics where it is grown as a hedge crop and for traditional use. It is well adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions and has low moisture demand. In the recent past, the oil crisis and depleting fossil fuel resource has rekindled interest in promotion of tree born oil species. Among the potential oil bearing tree species J.curcas has assumed importance due to its short gestation period, drought endurance, low cost seeds, high oil contents, easy adaptations on marginal and semi marginal lands, suitability as fuel substitute without any alterations to the existing engines and above all the plant size that makes seed collection more convenient.
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