Adaptation of Jatropha curcas L. in the agroecological environments of Kenya: genotype × environment interactions analysis

Abstract

Background: Jatropha curcas L. has the potential for becoming an important feedstock for biodiesel and bioenergy in Kenya. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of genotype × environment interaction and to determine the stability of performance of the currently grown genotypes. Methodology: A field trial consisting of 49 genotypes was laid out in a lattice design of two replications in two contrasting agroecological environments, namely Thika and Kibwezi, for 2 years. The Eberhart and Russell stability method was used to measure the performance of yield components of the 49 genotypes. Results: Environmental variance influenced the performance of genotypes for all the traits measured and genotype × environment interactions were important in determining their performance.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.