ABSTRACT
In this study, we evaluated the effects of irrigation and maturity stage on dry matter and oil accumulations of Jatropha curcas seeds. The trial was performed in an experimental area of the Department of Agriculture in the Federal University of Lavras – UFLA in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The area was grown with 3-year-old drip-irrigated plantation of jatropha. Fruit were collected and classified into four maturity stages as follows: green fruit with white seeds (F1), 20% green fruit and 80% yellow and/or brown dry fruit (F2), yellow fruit with brown parts in early dehiscence and black seeds (F3), brown dry and dehiscent fruit (F4). After being extracted, seed moisture, main dimensions, volume, dry matter and oil content were measured. The experimental design was randomized in a 4X2 factorial model (4 maturity stages - F1, F2, F3 and F4, and two water managements - irrigated and rainfed) with three replications. Brown fruit seeds provided higher yields of dry matter and oil content.
Jatropha curcas L.; physiological maturity; water management
