Biotechnological Research Progress in Jatropha, a Biodiesel-Yielding Plant

Abstract

Environmental pollution is one of the most pressing challenges in today's world. The main cause of this pollution is fuel emissions from automobiles and other sources. As industrialization progresses, we will be unable to compromise on the use of energy to power heavy machines and will be forced to seek out the best options. As a consequence, utilizing green fuel, such as biodiesel derived from natural sources, is a realistic option. Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) is recognized as the greatest feedstock for biodiesel production throughout the world, and it has gained a huge market value in the recent years. Conventional cultivation alone will not be sufficient to meet the global need for the plant's biomass for the production of biodiesel. Adoption of plant tissue culture techniques that improve the biomass availability is an immediate need. The present review provides detailed information regarding in-vitro plant propagation (direct and indirect organogenesis), somatic embryogenesis, and acclimatization protocols of plantlets for stabilized production of biomass. The review also focuses on biotechnological approaches such as gene transformation studies, production of haploids, and double haploids for developing elite germplasm for high biomass and improved traits for the production of biodiesel.

Keywords: Jatropha curcas; biodiesel; micropropagation; natural resource; plant genetic transformation.

Figure 1

Direct organogenesis of jatropha from petiole explants. (A) in vitro petiole in horizontal position, (B) in vivo petiole in horizontal position, (C) in vitro petiole in vertical position and (D) in vivo petiole in vertical position on MS medium supplemented with 2.27 µM TDZ. (E) Shoot proliferation of induced shoot buds on MS medium supplemented with 10 µM KN + 4.5 µM BAP + 5.5 µM NAA. (F) Elongation of proliferated shoot on MS medium supplemented with 2.25 µM BAP and 8.5 µM IAA. (G) Development of roots at the base of elongated shoot on half strength of MS medium supplemented with 5 µM IBA + 5.7 µM IAA + 11.0 µM NAA after 4 weeks. (H) Regenerated plant in polybag. (Source: Kumar and Reddy 2012: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2012.02.011, accessed on 2 February 2022; reproduced with permission from the publisher; License No: 5267680531691).