GENETIC VARIABILITY OF WILD Jatropha curcas IN NORTHWEST MEXICO

Background : Jatropha ( Jatropha curcas ) or physic nut is a potential source for the production of biodiesel as well as its use in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, cosmetic and food industries. Genetic variability is of great importance for future selection of elite plants. Objective : Analyze the genetic diversity of wild Jatropha curcas in Northwest Mexico. Methodology : Young leaves of J. curcas were collected in three different ecotypes in Northern of Sinaloa (El Quelite, Estacion Dimas and La Campana). Their diversity was analyzed with 5 primers ISSRs. Results: The ISSR analysis of 27 J. curcas accessions showed an  expected heterozygosity (He) and observed heterozygosity (Ho) elevated among in La Campana (He 0.7524, Ho 0.644), Estacion Dimas (He 0.7092, Ho 0.5106) and El Quelite (He 0.7956, Ho 0.6660). Implications : The analysis of the genetic variability of wild Jatropha curcas from Sinaloa contributes to be the bases for possible selection of genetic material. Conclusions : The ISSR analysis showed that there is genetic diversity in the wild germplasm of the different regions of Sinaloa, this is important in the selection of plants and the establishment of potential crops for the production of biodiesel, as well as the possibility of improving and identifying new varieties.