Dear Group Members,

Besides insects, please refer to previous post, viral infestation
is also becoming curse for Jatropha plants in Indian state
Chhattisgarh and neighboring states. For the first time I observed it
in farmer’s fields. The infestation was very high and farmers who have
purchased the plants in higher cost were in much worry regarding this
intensity. They described this disease as viral disease common in
Papaya. I am in process of identifying the causal organism. Farmers
have raised this crop considering it as crop free from diseases and
pest. Now they are facing the problems and understanding the hype
generated by Jatropha promoters. They are using pesticides, as extra
investment, with little success. The condition of roadside plantation
is worst as no one is there to care it. It is very sad. After all it
is public’s money. Jatropha plants are dyeing at alarming rate.
Please see this table for infestation status in different locations.

http://ecoport.org/ep?SearchType=interactiveTableView&itableId=30413

I am getting similar complaints from different corners of India
specially from North India.

Pankaj Oudhia