The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and evaluate the genetic progress of Jatropha curcas L. agricultural traits from 2008 to 2011. Four Brazilian provenances were evaluated in a randomized block design using three replicates of 36 plants at a spacing of 3x2m. The number of bunches was one of the most important traits for grain production. The fruit ripening uniformity showed predominant environmental effect, being very limited the genetic progress to be achieved by plant selection. The estimated genetic progress with the selection of provenances may be considered low: 11%, 7% and 18% at 1th, 2th and 3th years respectively. The selection of the 30 best individuals within provenances provided a genetic progress of 29%. The genetic improvement of this oil crop should consider strategies to increase the genetic variability by breeding and introduction of new genotypes.
Jatropha curcas L.; breeding; genetic parameters
