By: EMEGHARA U. U.; ADELANI D. O.; SODIMU A. I.; SIRAJO A. .;
Abstract:
Physic nut, Jatropha curcas seeds is a source of biodiesel. The field experiment was conducted for 5years during cropping seasons at the experimental farm of Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Kaduna. Investigation was conducted to determine the influence of storage durations of J. curcas seeds on chemical composition, germination and early seedling growth. J. curcas seeds harvested in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 stored under room temperature (27 + 5oC) in polythene bags and 2013 Freshly Harvested Seeds (FHS) were collected. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomized design with five replicates to assess the effect five seed storage durations (4, 3, 2, 1 and 0 years) on the germination, oil content and seedling growth of J. curcas. Highest values of moisture (2.53%)., ash(4.71%)., fat (47.11%)., protein (23.98%) and carbohydrate (32.68%) were recorded in 2013 FHS. The least value of 26.70% was recorded for fiber. A decrease in chemical composition of seeds was recorded with increasing years of seed storage but reverse was the case in fiber content. The percentage germination of 45%, 60%, 75% and 80% were recorded for seeds in year 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 (FHS) respectively. Highest germination percentage of 80% was recorded in 2013 (FHS). Highest height (34.90cm)., girth (2.065cm)., number of leaves (17.44) and primary branches (7.74) were recorded at 8 weeks for seedlings of seeds stored for 0 year (FHS). A significant decrease in germination and seedling growth were recorded with increasing years of seed storage. Seed age affected chemical composition, germination andseedling growth of J. curcas.
Keywords: Bio diesel, Freshly Harvested Seeds, Chemical composition, Viability
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