The physic nut (Jatropha curcas) plant, as a renewable alternative fuel source, has greater potential with many advantages than other plant sources. The following study sought to analyze the lipid metabolism pathway and determine its correlation with plant morphological traits. The study transpired using morphophysiological and metabolomic approaches, specifically GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). In the J. curcas fruits, metabolites detected totaled 73, which play a significant role in the fatty acid biosynthesis metabolism pathway. However, specifically in the sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis pathway, only nine key metabolites gained identification in the J. curcas fruits, playing a vital role. The correlation values of several growth characters and marker metabolites revealed most of the traits had significant positive and negative correlations with each other. The plant height appeared considerably positively correlated with celidoniol, trans-squalene, and tetradecane. In conclusion, the growth characteristics, such as plant height and leaf traits, have a significant positive and negative correlation with marker metabolites in the formation of fatty acid biosynthesis metabolic pathways and sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid metabolism.

Keywords: Jatropha curcas, plant growth, morphological traits, metabolite markers, lipid metabolism pathway, fuel source

Key findings: This research has identified the association among the plant growth and metabolite markers in Jatropha curcas.