Friday, December 19, 2008
Jatropha Farming
Jatropha is a drought resistant perennial shrub or small tree that has an economic life of up to 35 years and can live for 50 years. It grows fast, with little or no need for maintenance and can reach a height of 3 to 8 meters.It has a smooth gray bark which exudes whitish color, watery, latex when cut. The size of the leaves ranges from 6-16 cm. in length and width. The leaves are green to pale, alternate to sub-opposite with 3 to 5 lobes. It sheds leaves in the dry season and rejuvenates during rainy season.
Flowers are formed terminally, individually, with female flowers usually slightly larger. It is pollinated by insects, especially honey bees. Two flowering peaks are often observed and occur during the wet season. Each inflorescence yields fruits.
After the seeds mature, 3 bi-valved cocci are formed. The seeds become mature when the capsule changes from green to yellow about three months after flowering.
It grows on well-drained soils with good aeration and is well adapted to marginal soils with low nutrient content. On heavy soils, root formation is reduced. Jatropha is a highly adaptable species, but its strength as a crop comes from its ability to grow on very poor and dry sites.
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Labels: Jatropha-Cultivation
posted by Sudha @ 1:50 AM
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