Phytotechnical Aspects of Jatropha Farming in Brazil

Surveys ofJatropha curcasL. are being pursued worldwide, but scientific compilations on Jatropha farming are still rare. Since 2008, significant efforts have been made to understand the biological parameters of this species, ranging from genetic diversity to genome sequencing, so that the basics of Jatropha are better known. Emphasis now needs to be placed on crop improvement through selective breeding and biotechnology. However, this effort only makes sense if a cultural system that optimizes the potential of the species has been previously defined. We report our experience over the years concerning the optimization of the propagation system, fertilization, plant nutrition, spacing, crop mechanization, irrigation and culture management, among other farming practices, for Jatropha cultivation. Our discussion applies to the semi-arid region of Brazil that corresponds to the Caatinga biome.