Effect of Mediums on the Germination and Growth of Jatropha Curcas : Jatropha curcas Benefits for Humanity

Pakistan is a country of great geographical importance. It has land of almost all types but the larger areas have arid and semi-arid conditions. So they have a greater risk of drought. For this we have a drought resistant plant Jatropha curcas which belongs to family Euphorbiaceae. This plant has a characteristic feature that it can grow on soil which is not suitable for agriculture. It has a role in purification of environment and soil as it provides raw material to it. These are its attractive features for farmer. Jatropha is commonly cultivated in southern Africa, so a little is known for its cultivation and propagation in Pakistan. This study provides information about germination of seeds planted in earthen pots. Jatropha curcas seeds were imported from Green star seed company. Seeds were undergone various pre-sowing treatments e.g. soaking in fresh water for 10 hours. Fifty percent of total pots were placed under tunnel structure and other half pots were placed in natural conditions. Three treatments were applied by changing the sowing medium e.g. (1) Normal soil or sandy clay loam (2) Sandy loam soil (3) Silty loam soil. Irrigation was applied.