Characterization of plant architecture and yield trait of castor (Ricinus communis L.) germplasm suitable for mechanical harvesting

Abstract

Characterization of castor (Ricinus communis L.) germplasm on plant architecture and yield trait is important for breeding program of dwarf variety with high yield, suitable for mechanical harvesting. This study aimed to conduct complete characterization of castor germplasm on plant stature and seed and oil yield trait. The materials used in this study were 29 castor accessions. The accessions were planted and observed for plant architecture and yield traits. The results showed that the germplasm collections had variation on plant height, i.e. normal, semidwarf, and dwarf, with internode length on the main stem ranged from 3.79 to 9.64 cm and number of branches from 3 to 15. The length of fruit raceme of main stem varied from 21 to 95 cm and the seed weight per raceme ranged from 6.85 to 124.83 g. Oil content ranged from 24.23 to 50.37%. There were positive correlation between (p-value = 0.05) the yield trait and its component. However, only fruit number per raceme that had direct effect. Castor accessions 18A and 70B had characters dwarf, low number of branch, long fruit raceme, high seed yield, and oil content. These accessions could be utilized as genetic material potential for new castor plant variety suitable for mechanical harvesting.