Molecular Markers in Jatropha: Current Status and Future Possibilities

Jatropha is a non-edible plant that has recently become favored worldwide for its potential as a feasible feedstock for the production of second-generation biofuels and new pharmaceutical compounds. However, the full capacity of this crop has not been realized, particularly owing to the lack of improved varieties with desirable traits such as flowering, oil content, non-toxicity, and stress tolerance. Considerable attempts in recent years have been made on exploitation of DNA polymorphism and development of molecular markers to be used for its genetic improvement. Recent progress in population genetics and comparative marker analysis of jatropha have led to the development of specific and more efficient DNA markers that may provide avenues for improving the productivity and quality of this crop. Development of the molecular markers (RFLPs, RTNs, AFLPs, and SSRs), which are linked to the genes controlling productive traits, is not only a key factor in selecting parental combinations and seedlings with desirable traits, but they are also important in detecting negative traits, such as poor flowering. This review aims to provide an overview of the pace of the progress and evolution of molecular marker technologies in jatropha. Moreover, the potential application of the variety of molecular marker systems to genetically enhance jatropha productivity and how to select proper molecular markers in breeding programs are discussed.