Author : De Guzman, Lucille Elna Parreño

Summary : The research was conducted on locally available seeds of Jatropha curcas, an underutilized and neglected crop, to evaluate its morphological and chemical properties; to develop procedures for its optimum drying, quality testing and storage; and to establish its viability equation constants. Baseline data on seed physical and chemical characteristics has been established and found comparable to published literature. Moisture content determination is best using ground whole seed. Equilibrium moisture content has been established and a moisture isotherm and drying curves have been plotted with their corresponding validation equations. Seed germination takes 10 d and is best using sterilized sand. The embryo is the best seed tissue to use for tetrazolium test with soaking duration of 2 h. Electrical conductivity test is best with 10 seeds soaked in 100 mL of distilled water for 31 h. Seeds with 4.0-5.0% MC, sealed in moisture-proof containers, can be stored in low temperature for 2 y with little reduction in germination. The study was not able to come up with reliable values for the MC and temperature constants due to several limitations. The protocols developed and present results can be used as a basis for refining the methodology of similar studies in the future.