Jatropha curcas is traditionally propagated by seed. However, in several situations the vegetative propagation is an important alternative and its technology needs to be developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate how the length and the portion of the branch from where the cuttings are extracted, influence the rooting and growth capacity of Jatropha cuttings. The treatments were arranged in a 3 x 4 factorial design, with three cutting positions (apical, middle and basal) and four cutting lengths (10, 15, 20, and 25 cm). A completely randomized design with four replications and ten cuttings per plot was adopted. At 70 days after planting, the cuttings were evaluated for the number of sprouts and branches, branch length, number of leaves, leaf area, number of roots, and dry mass of shoots and roots. The position from where the cuttings are extracted (apical, middle or basal) did not influence its capacity for rooting and the growth of the seedlings. The cutting length influences the initial growth, and the best growth was obtained in cuttings of around 22 cm.
Jatropha curcas; cuttings; vegetative propagation
