Abstract

Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) is a perennial oil yielding plant. Jatropha is also host to a large number of pathogens such as Cercospora sp. The systemic resistance and overall performance was enhanced by seed soak treatment with leaf extract of Clerodendrum aculeatum. On treatment, the treated plants not only showed systemic resistance but also showed marked enhancement in the plant vegetative growth, rooting, flowering, fruiting and seed formation. Mechanisms underlying this may due the synthesis of a new virus inhibitory phytoprotein produced in cells perceiving signals from systemic resistance inducers or ribosome-inactivating functions of these antiviral proteins. These treated Jatrophacurcas can prove to be a miracle plant by turning wasteland into a money making land.

Key words: Jatropha curcas, biodiesel, phytoprotein , Clerodendrum aculeatum.