Author : Batin, Charlie B.

Summary : The study used the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments and three replications. Treatments involved were the different fruit maturity color which include the following: T1- 141D (Green); T2- 11B (Yellow), T3- 12B (Dark Yellow), and T4- 202A (Black) which were collected at two different seasons, dry and wet. The study involved two phases: the documentation of the changes in fruit color and the germination and seedling growth performance of Jatropha curcas seeds taken from different maturity color. A total of 34 days were utilized in documenting the changes of fruit color of Jatropha curcas L. Fruit colors were identified using the Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart (RHSCC). Using the fruit maturity color of Jatropha curcas L. as an index, seeds taken from black colored fruits during the dry season and dark yellow for the rainy season were recommended for better germination and growth. These colors were found to produce higher seed quality and more vigorous seedlings compared to other fruit colors considered in the study. The best season to collect fruits of Jatropha curcas L. for oil production was found out to be during the dry season and when the fruit turns yellow.