Characterization and distribution of wild germplasm Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) in the northwest of Mexico

Abstract

Three wild populations of Jatropha curcas in the central and southern parts of Sinaloa were studied; Estación Dimas, La Campana, and El Quelite. The objectives were to characterize plants and seeds morphologically to assess the relationship between morphological traits and environmental factors and the potential distribution of the species considering environmental factors from the study sites. All individuals/m2 and number of branches were counted, and height, diameter of cup, and basal diameter were measured. The number of seeds per kilogram was obtained, as well as color, weight, and seed length and width. Plant height ranged from 2.25 to 4.59 m; the crown diameter from 2.24 to 4.48 m; basal diameter from 18.75 to 24.81 cm; and branch number 2 to 4. No significant differences were found in morphological characteristics between plants from Estación Dimas and El Quelite but those from La Campana were significantly smaller. Plant height was favored in sites with lower temperature, altitude, and wind speed, and with higher precipitation and relative humidity. Seed length ranged from 7.41 to 7.9 mm and seed width from 15.1 to 15.9 mm. Seed moisture ranged from 3.57 to 4.21%. The seed color ranged from 60.80 to 65.54° Hue. The highest tree density was found in Estación Dimas (21 ind/ha), but agricultural practices threatens the vegetation in this site. The species has a high potential for distribution in the southern and central parts of the state. Germplasm from the studied populations may be useful for plans and management for species conservation; they also constitute an alternative to the establishment of crops in the state of Sinaloa with typical species of the region and possibly other regions of the country. Moreover, it was observed that the species has a high potential for distribution in the state mainly in the municipalities of Sinaloa de Leyva, Guasave, Guamuchil, Culiacan, Elota, San Ignacio, Mazatlan, Villa Union, Concordia, and Escuinapa.