Objective

:To determine the effect of the reproduction methods on the morphological and productive traits of Jatropha curcas L.

Materials and Methods

:In a randomized block design, planting by seed (T1) and by stake (T2) was evaluated regarding seed emergence, propagule sprouting, seedling survival, number of fruits per raceme, flowering start, height, stem diameter, number of branches, crown projection, quantity of formed racemes, number of fruits per raceme, quantity of seeds per tree, weight of 100 seeds, seed length and width. The data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics for two independent samples, and the means were compared at a significance level of p ≤ 0,05.

Results

:More sprouted propagules (94) than emerged plants (71) were found. With T2, the highest height, stem diameter and number of branches were reached in the nursery. In the establishment, the crown projection was higher for T1. Meanwhile, T2 was more precocious in the beginning of flowering and produced a higher quantity of formed racemes, as well as higher number of fruits per racemes and quantity of seeds per tree. For the other variables no differences were found between the treatments.

Conclusions

: Through reproduction by propagules morphologically higher J. curcas seedlings are obtained in the nursery stage (higher height, stem diameter and number of branches). In the productive stage higher quantity of fruits and seeds was achieved per tree, which were stable or had a slight increase each year.

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