Abstract

Studies were carried out to evaluate the influence of size polymorphism on seed and seedling quality characteristics of Jatropha curcas at laboratory and at nursery both with fresh and stored seeds. The results revealed that bigger sized seed weighing more100 seed weight recorded better germination and seedling vigour both at laboratory and at nursery. The graded seeds, stored under ambient conditions for a period of six months also expressed similar results. In all instances medium and smaller sized seeds followed the bigger sized seeds in the quality performance and the seed size exerted a positive association with seed quality characters.

Keywords: Jatropha, seed grading, seed quality