Growth, yield attributes and seed yield of pre-release genotypes of castor (Ricinus communis L.) as influenced by fertilizer levels under rainfed conditions of central dry zone of Karnataka

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to assess the response of castor genotypes in relation to fertilizer input. Three genotypes of castor (SHB-872, RHC-277 and JC-12) were tried under four fertilizer levels i.e., control (no fertilizer), 50%, 100% and 150% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) under rainfed conditions during kharif season 2011 on black soils at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Babbur Farm, Hiriyur, Karnataka. The study revealed that there was a linear response to graded levels of fertilizer. Significantly higher seed yield of castor (2302 kg/ha) was registered at 150% RDF. Among castor genotypes, JC-12 recorded the significantly higher seed yield (2103 kg/ha), however, it was comparable with that of SHB-872 (1981 kg/ha) and RHC-277 (1967 kg/ha). Economic analysis revealed that genotype JC-12 gave higher gross returns (` 75718/ha), net returns (` 57407/ha) and B:C ratio (4.12). Among fertilizer doses, application of 150% RDF accrued higher gross returns (` 82898/ha), net returns (`63962/ha) and BC ratio (4.63).