Uses

• Jatropha curcas, a tropical plant native to the Americas but grown around the world, has many uses. The seeds are used for biodiesel fuel, while the leaves are edible and used to repel flies, states Purdue University. Although Jatropha tends to have hearty growth, it is highly susceptible to root rot.
  
  

Root Root

• Root rot, caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium moniliforme, causes wilting leaves and plant death. This is caused by stagnant water and also occurs when Jatropha is waterlogged.
  
  

Control

• Jatropha curcas infected with root rot has a 20 to 25 percent mortality rate. There are no cost-effective fungicidal sprays to control Fusarium root rot, according to Michigan State University. Therefore, prevention is the leading method of controlling root rot. Avoid overly moist soil conditions.
  
  

Other Diseases

• Other pests and diseases, such as armyworms, aphids, papaya mealybugs, leaf spot, rusts, collar rot and the citrus root weevil, can damage and kill Jatropha curcas, reports the University of Florida. Diseases and pests vary by climate and location depending on the growing area.