Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation for Larger Seed Size in Jatropha

Jatropha, Jatropha curcas, is known as the oilseed plant that yields biofuel. An average of 30–40% of a single Jatropha seed is made of oils and fats and can be processed for use as diesel engine fuel. This chapter is concerned with using transgenic approaches to increase oil production in Jatropha. At present, we are attempting to make larger Jatropha seeds by transferring rice genes coupled with the CaMV35S promoter into Jatropha plants. We found candidate rice genes that produce increased seed size in other plants (Arabidopsis thaliana) by using rice Full-Length cDNA OvereXpressing gene 14 hunting system. We are transferring four genes (LOC_Os08g41910 encoding Sua5/YciO/YrdC/YwlC family protein, LOC_Os04g43210 encoding probable inositol transporter 2-like, LOC_Os03g49180 encoding alkaline ceramidase, and LOC_Os10g40934 encoding putative flavonol synthase/flavanone 3-hydroxylase or 2OG-Fe(II) oxygenase containing protein) to attempt to make larger Jatropha seeds. We already made some transgenic Jatropha. Here we also discuss an improved method of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to increase seed growth efficiency. We used Gamborg’B5 medium containing 2% sucrose and 250 mg/l active charcoal to improve the condition for root induction.