Improvement of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) by intraspecific hybridization between ecotypes of Africa and Americana.

Jatropha curcas is a plant with several attributes, multiples uses and considerable potentials. To mitigate the effects of climatic change, it is necessary to alleviate fossil power energy and increase biofuel energy. Plant-based fuels are among the best renewable sources, and their use can lead to a better balance of CO2 and other greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. The aim of this work was to study the progeny of intraspecific cross of J. curcas (Equator × Senegal (Dialocoto)) in order to improve the productivity of the cultivated species through intra specific hybridization. The results showed that hybrids obtained from the cross between Equator ecotypes and Senegal ecotype (Dialocoto) showed the best production traits. For the width and length of the leaves, Equator ecotypes and hybrids had almost the same size (19.79 and 17.73 cm for Equator ecotypes and 19.0 and 17.23 cm for hybrids). The physical fruit properties of the hybrid showed dominance in comparison with the best parent due to heterosis effect. The hybrids showed a positive heterosis in fruit length, with significant H (30.17%) and Hb (3.47%) values. For the qualitative data, hybrids had the same leaf and petiole color as the Senegal ecotype, but the same leaf size with the Equator ecotype. The introduction of genetic variability can be performed by intraspecific cross.   Key words: Benin, ecotype, Jatropha curcas, heterosis, hybrids.