The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the irrigation with saline water on production of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) after pruning (396 days after sowing). Between May 2008 and January 2009, the experiment was carried out in a greenhouse. The plants were grown in drainage lysimeters (200L) containing 230 kg of non-saline and non-sodic soil properly fertilized, classified as Gray Argisoil Eutrophic. Treatments consisted of five levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water - ECw (0.6; 1.2; 1.8; 2.4 and 3.0 dS m-1, at 25 ºC). All the plants were pruned at 80 cm height. At 240 days after pruning the variables: number of bunches, weight of main of scab, seeds and fruits, weights of seed and fruit, number of fruits and oil content were evaluated. Plants irrigated with water of 3.0 dS m-1were significantly affected with the following reductions: 93% in number of bunches, 97% in the variables weight of scab, of seeds and fruits, and number of fruits; 67% in fruit weight, and 49% in seed weight. Oil content of plants irrigated with water of 3.00 dS m-1 had reduction of 30.56%.
irrigation; electrical conductivity; Jatropha curcas L.; biodiesel
