Work

Correlation and effect of pruning and spacing on jatropha flower, fruit, and seed performances

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Importance of the work: Optimization of plant spacing and applying hard pruning in jatropha cultivation are promising ways to improve production.Objectives: This study examined the effects of pruning and planting spacing on jatropha traits including flower, fruit, and seed characteristics. Materials and Methods:A study was conducted on 14 jatropha varieties, evaluating them under narrow and standard spacing conditions over two years.The plants were pruned after the initial year to stimulate new growth, and data on flower, fruit, and seed characteristics were collected.Results: The results are noteworthy, indicating that, while plant spacing had a minimal impact on jatropha traits, pruning significantly accelerated flowering and enhanced inflorescence number, seed size, and weight, albeit reducing the number of seeds per fruit.A strong correlation was also found between the inflorescence number in jatropha and their growth and yield traits (r = 0.53* to 0.89**).Main finding: These findings suggested that reducing plant spacing did not affect jatropha flowering, fruiting, and seed setting, but pruning enhanced these traits and correlated with a higher yield.

Source: Agriculture and Natural Resources

DOI: 10.34044/j.anres.2025.59.2.12

Authors: Anuruck Arunyanark, Kanniga Foytong, Choosak Jompuk, Peerasak Srinives, Patcharin Tanya

Institution: Kasetsart University

Language: English

Topic: Bioenergy crop production and management

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Science and Technology Development Agency, Kasetsart University