Castor Hybrids Research Articles

Yield Performance and Stability of Some Indian Castor Hybrids in Nigerian Ecology

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an industrial oil crop that is widely recognized as an ideal crop for tropical and subtropical regions. Nigeria has been identified as a country with high potential to meet her national castor oil need and provide surplus for export. This potential can be harnessed, only if adequate production technologies, such as improved varieties, are available to the farmers. In this research, three FTB castor hybrids (Code 11, Code 22 & Code 33) and two local checks (NCRICAS1 & NCRICAS1) were assessed for their yield performance and stability in Nigeria. The castor genotypes were evaluated in a replicated plots across six locations in the Southern and Northern Guinea savanna ecologies of Nigeria. The results revealed significant differences for traits assessed among the genotypes. Average seed yield among the hybrids ranged between 596.58kg/ha and 1372.49kg/ha. Average seed yields of the checks ranged between 849.58kg/ha and 1239.63kg/ha. The hybrid Code 33 out yielded the two local checks at four locations (i.e Badeggi, Benue, Kebbi & Sokoto) out of the six locations. The check 1 (Acc.036) recorded significant higher yield (1705.28kg/ha & 1648.15kg/ha) than the hybrid Code 33 (1573.91kg/ha & 867.58kg/ha) at Bacita and Bauchi locations. Besides recording comparable seed yield to the best hybrid (Code 33), the local check 1 (Acc.036) matured earlier than the hybrids evaluated. The GGE biplot view revealed good stability and responsiveness for both hybrid Code 33 (G5) and Acc.036 (G2). Based on performance per se, the hybrid Code 33 showed better adaptation to the ecology. However, further assessment on oil quantity and quality, and cost benefit analysis of the hybrid(s) in comparison to the local varieties is highly recommended.

Screening of castor hybrids and their parents against wilt disease

Castor is an industrially important non-edible oilseed crop widely cultivated in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini) disease has become a serious problem in India, though wilt resistant hybrids viz., GCH-4, GCH-5, GCH-7, GCH-8, GCH-9 and GCH 10 have been released. So investigation on screening of castor hybrids and their parents against wilt disease was undertaken under poly house conditions. The results revealed that out of six, three parent's viz., SKP-84, JI-368 and 48-1 were resistant, while two hybrids i.e. SKP-84 x JI- 368 and GEETA x SH-72 were found resistant to wilt disease. Parent GEETA found moderately resistant, whereas susceptibility for the disease was observed in parents viz., VP-1, VI-9, SH-72 and JI-35 and Hybrid VP-1 x VI-9 reported susceptibility to wilt disease. Our findings confirmed the importance of selecting the parents for the development of resistant hybrids in disease-resistance breeding programmes.

Yield, Economics and Nutrients Uptake by Castor Hybrids as Influenced by Different Methods of Planting and Fertility Levels

Yield, Economics and Nutrients Uptake by Castor Hybrids as Influenced by Different Methods of Planting and Fertility Levels

Competitive interspersed staminate flowers in females: A problem in hybrid seedproduction of castor

The in vitro pollen germination study was carried out by using pollens of six genotypes which included two popular hybrids, two female and two male parents viz, DCH-177, ICH-66, DPC-9, SKP-84, DCS-9 and ICS-164 to know the competitiveness of interspersed staminate flowers (ISF). The standardized medium containing 15% sucrose, 0.01% H3BO3, 0.3% Ca(NO3).4H2O, 0.0214% Mg (SO4) 7H2O and 0.01% KNO3 were used in the study. The results revealed that highest % of pollen germination observed with ISF pollens of female parents (DPC- 9: 57.35% and SKP- 84: 44.51%) in both the hybrids compared to their respective male parents (DCS-9: 47.24% and ICS-164: 27.27%). It indicated the importance of rouging of ISFs in order to maintain the high genetic purity in castor hybrid and parental seed production.

Management of sucking pests in castor with newer insecticides

Newer insecticides were evaluated against major sucking pests viz., leafhopper and whitefly in a field experiment conducted at Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Yethapur, TNAU for two years (2021, 2022) during rabi season using castor hybrid YRCH 1. The treatments Thiacloprid 21.7 SC@1ml/l and Cyantranilprole 10.26 OD @ml/l were found superior and recorded significant control of leafhopper (2.48 leafhopper /3 leaves/plant) and whitefly population (1.00 /3 leaves/plant) respectively. The treatments Cynantraniliprole 10.26 OD and Thiacloprid 21.7 SC spray resulted in significantly higher seed yield 1568 kg/ha and 1542kg/ha respectively.

Occurrence of castor diseases in Tamil Nadu and screening of castor parental lines for wilt resistance

Castor is an important industrial oilseed crop. The survey conducted during 2021-2022 in castor growing area of Tamil Nadu indicated that wilt and gray mold are the major disease. The wilt disease incidence ranged from 10.2 to 25.4 per cent and gray mold disease severity ranged from 37.8 to 62.2 PDI. The screening of castor parental line for wilt resistance in wilt epiphytic condition revealed BCS 3, ICS 253, ICS 309 and IPC 46 found promising for wilt resistance and they can be utilized for the development of wilt resistant castor hybrids.

Enhancing Rainfed Castor Growth, Seed, and Oil Yield Via Nano Urea Application

Aims: Conventional urea fertilizer has been critical in enhancing castor yields. However, nano urea, a game-changing technology in modern agriculture, provides a significant advancement in terms of sustainable and efficient crop production.
 Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a Randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: Tapioca and Castor Research Station in Yethapur during the Kharif season of 2022.
 Methodology: The major objective is to increase hybrid castor growth and production under rainfed circumstances by foliar application of nano urea. The castor hybrid YRCH 1 with an RDF of 60:30:30 NPK kg ha-1 was chosen for the study. The experimental details viz; T1 - 100% N through Urea –RDF, T2 - 50 % of recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS, T3 - 50 % of recommended basal N + 2 % Urea foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS, T4 - 75 % of recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS, T5 - 75 % of recommended basal N+ 2 % Urea foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS, T6 - 100 % of recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS, T7 - 100 % of recommended basal N + 2 % Urea foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS.
 Results: According to the findings of the study, applying 100% of the recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS is advantageous to the crop and improves the growth and yield characteristics of hybrid castor under rainfed conditions. However, when compared to other treatments, foliar application of nano urea with 50% indicated basal N resulted in significantly lower growth and yield.
 Conclusion: The major objective is to increase hybrid castor growth and production under rainfed circumstances by foliar application of nano urea

Phytosociology of Weeds in Function of the Cultivation of Genetic Materials of Beans and Castor Hybrids under Intercrop and Monoculture in the Brazilian Midwest

Despite the socioeconomic importance of beans and small-door castor hybrids, few studies have been carried out to investigate the phytosociological composition of weeds that interfere in this integrated production system. The objective of this work was to investigate the phytosociological composition of weeds in intercropped bean and castor hybrids adapted to mechanized harvesting, as well as in monoculture, involving genetic materials with different plant architectures. The design was randomized blocks, with four replications, and the treatments consisted of three bean cultivars with different growth habits and types (BRS Realce; BRS Esteio; Pérola), cultivated in an intercropped system with two small castor hybrids (Agima and Tamar), and the respective monoculture systems of the bean and castor hýbrids. Weed evaluation was performed 25 days after crop emergence. The bean growth habits and the size of castor hybrids directly affect the weed community, in both systems. Cenchrus echinatus and Alternanthera tenella species showed predominance in intercropping and monoculture conditions. The common bean monoculture and castor hybrids system, in general, provide greater problems with weeds compared to their respective monocultures, especially the Poaceae family. The weed species similarity indexes were higher than 75%.

Effects of Sowing Dates and Genotypes of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) on Seed Yield and Oil Content in the South Mediterranean Basin

To evaluate the performance of dwarf castor hybrids (‘C1012’, ‘C857’, ‘C856’), compared to a local selected genotype, in four subsequent sowing dates (SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4), a trial was conducted at the experimental farm of the University of Catania (Sicily, Italy). The length of the growing season decreased with the increase of the sowing date in the average genotypes from 160 to 94 days, respectively, for the first and the last sowing date. According to the RED—Renewable Energy Directive, the genotype ‘C856’ was the earliest (112 days), resulting in suitability as a catch crop for biomass production. The results showed that early spring sowings negatively impact dwarf hybrid production (1.2 and 1.5 Mg ha−1 in SW1 and SW2, in the average of the three hybrids), which reached the highest yield in the third sowing date (2.0 Mg ha−1), preferring warmer temperatures for the germination of seeds. On the contrary, the ‘Local’ genotype reached the highest yield (1.6 Mg ha−1) in the first sowing date and linearly decreased in the subsequent ones. Nonetheless, the third sowing date positively influenced the oil content and the oil yield in all dwarf genotypes except the ‘Local’ genotype, which showed the highest oil yield in the first sowing date.

Combining ability analysis of newly developed male lines of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Rajasthan

Genetic parameters of 50 castor hybrids developed using 10 newly developed male inbred lines and 5 stable pistillate lines were estimated in a line x tester design. Analysis of combining ability depicted significant mean sum of squares for both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for all the characters which indicated the presence of both additive and non-additive gene actions. The high amount of s 2 SCA and ratioof GCAto SCA variances near to zero indicated that the dominance gene effect was predominant in newly developed lines for all the characters under study. The highest positive gca effect was exhibited by MCP-1-1, for seed yield and number of capsules on primary raceme, effective length of primary raceme and height up to primary raceme. SKP-84 was also good general combiner for traits such as 100-seed weight, number of capsule on primary raceme, nodes to primary raceme and height up to primary raceme. Among the male parents, MP-11-17 was found the best general combiner for cumulative seed yield, raceme length and number of capsule. Cross M-574 x MP-17-17 was identified as the best cross for cumulative seed yield followed by MCP-3 x MP-7-17 and SKP-84 x MP-11-17. These combinations of crosses would be useful in breeding programme for improvement in cumulative seed yield of castor.

Investigations of Different Host Plants on Nutritional Indices of Eri Silkworm (Samia ricini)

An experiment was conducted during 2021-22 at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam to evaluate the food ingestion, digestion and efficiency of conversion of castor and tapioca cultivars for Eri silkworm, Samiaricini. The leaves of castor cultivars Viz., YTP 1, YRCH 1, YRCH 2 and Local variety and tapioca cultivars Viz., YTP 1 and YTP 2 were fed to Eri silkworm. The studies of nutritional indices on different castor and tapioca cultivars revealed that total food consumption was found to be highest on castor variety YTP 1 (1014.92 g) followed by castor hybrid YRCH 2 (1009.14 g) and least on tapioca YTP 1 (910.14 g). Maximum food digestion and Efficiency conversion of ingested food was found on castor variety YTP 1 (546.17 g and 21.70 %) when compared to 427.05 g and 21.99 per cent on tapioca YTP 1.

Proteomic Study of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Seeds between Parents and Offspring of Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.)

Castor bean (<i>Ricinus communis</i> L.), is one of the top 10 oilseed crops in the world and, therefore, of high economic value. Hybridization is one of the most effective ways to breed new varieties with high yield, high oil content, and better stress resistance. Therefore, prediction of desired traits in castor hybrid offspring is particularly important. In this study, proteomic analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in seeds between castor hybrid offspring and their female (Lm female line aLmAB₂) and male parents (CSR·181). Among the DEPs upregulated in the seeds of hybrid offspring, the majority were related to seed yield and stress tolerance, while some were related to oil synthesis and fatty acid synthesis and metabolism in seeds. In other words, the hybrid offspring showed heterosis for seed yield, stress tolerance, oil synthesis, and fatty acid synthesis and metabolism when compared with their parents. Further, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were performed on 12 genes encoding DEPs involved in oil synthesis, pollen abortion, yield, and stress tolerance of seeds. The results showed that the expression levels of the 12 genes were consistent with those of the DEPs.

Growth and yield performance of castor hybrids under different methods of planting and fertility levels in North Gujarat Agro-climatic region

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the yield performance of castor hybrids under different methods of planting and fertility levels at Agronomy Instructional Farm, C P College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat in loamy sand soil. The experiment consisted eight treatment combinations with two hybrids (GCH 7 and GCH 8), two planting methods (Direct seed sowing and Transplanting) and two fertility levels(75% RDF and 100% RDF) were undertaken in randomized block design with factorial concept and replicated four times. Significantly higher number of capsules (88.63) on primary spike, seed yield per plant (686.30 g), 100-seed weight (32.49 g), number of spikes (20.01) per plant, seed yield (3220 kg/ha) and stalk yield (5340 kg/ha) were recorded with GCH 8 hybrid. In plantingmethods, significantly higher number of capsules (89.09) on primary spike, seed yield per plant (688.65 g), number ofspikes (19.60) per plant, seed yield (3230 kg/ha), stalk yield (5361 kg/ha) and available P2O5 (48.7 kg/ha) and S (13.01 mg/kg) after harvest of crop were recorded under direct seed sown castor. 100% RDF registered significantly higher plant height (86.14 cm) at harvest, number of nodes (18.58) per plant, number of capsules (88.60) on primary spike, length of primary (74.57 cm) spikes, seed yield per plant (688.53 g), 100-seed weight (32.00 g), number ofspikes (19.66) per plant, seed yield (3190 kg/ha), stalk yield (5281 kg/ha) and available N, P2O5and S (156 kg/ha, 49.8 kg/ha and 13.35 mg/kg, respectively).

Evaluation of Growth and Yield Performance of Castor Hybrids Under Southern Dry Region in Sri Lanka

The Journal of Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences is published by the University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences, Hambantota, Sri Lanka. It provides an academic pathway for professionals and researchers to contribute ground-breaking work in the field of agricultural technology and rural sciences including crop science, animal science, soil science, agricultural biology, food science and technology, postharvest technology, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics and extension.

Combining ability analysis of newly developed monoecious lines of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Rajasthan

Genetic parameters of 50 castor hybrids developed from 10 newly developed monoecious lines and 5 stable pistillate lines were estimated in line x tester design. Analysis of combining ability depicted significant mean sum of squares for both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for all the characters which indicated the presence of both additive and non-additive gene actions. The high amount of s 2 SCA and ratio of GCA to SCA variances near to zero indicated that the dominance gene effect was predominant in newly developed lines for all the characters under study. The highest positive gca effect was exhibited by MCP-1-1, for seed yield and number of capsules on primary raceme, effective length of primary raceme and height up to primary raceme. SKP-84 was also a good general combiner for 100 seed weight, number of capsules on primary raceme, nodes to primary raceme and height up to primary raceme. Among the male parents, MP-11-17 was found the best general combiner for cumulative seed yield, raceme length and numbers of capsules. Cross M-574 x MP-17-17 was the best cross for cumulative seed yield followed by MCP-3 x MP-7-17 and SKP-84 x MP-11-17. These combinations would be useful in breeding programme for improvement in seed yield of castor.

Yield of common bean cultivars and castor hybrids intercropped in two cultivation sites with oxisol in the Midwest region of Brazil

The consortium between bean and castor aims to increase the yield per unit area and sustainability in land use. This system has several benefits, but the use of different genetic materials must be carefully evaluated, especially the behavior of smaller castor hybrids, since little research on their use in a consortium system is available. This study aimed to evaluate the components of production and yield of common bean cultivars and small castor hybrids, in two field experiments conducted in the intercropping and monoculture systems, in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 harvests, in two cultivation sites in the Midwest region of Brazil. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design, in a 4 x 2 + 6 factorial scheme, composed of four common bean genetic materials of different growth types and colors (Pérola, BRS Esteio, BRS Pitanga, and BRSMG Realce), a consortium with two short castor hybrid cultivars (Tamar and Agima 110204) and six additional treatments and bean and castor genetic material in monoculture, with three replications. Agronomic components and grain yields were determined in both experiments, for bean cultivars and castor hybrids. Bean and castor genetic materials presented the same agronomic performance in the studied agricultural and local crops, regardless of the cropping system. The intercropping between common bean cultivars (BRS Esteio, BRSMG Realce and BRS Pitanga) and castor hybrids (Tamar and Ag Ima) was classified as viable by the area equivalence index, since this index presented values greater than 1.0 for the intercropping between these cultivars. Thus, it is recommended for common bean in a system intercropped with small castor hybrids, regardless of the cultivated genetic material

Quantifying the Nitrogen Requirement of Castor Cultivars in Post Monsoon Season on Alfisols

Aim: The experiment is aimed at quantifying the nitrogen requirement and identifying suitable hybrids and varieties of castor to be grown during post monsoon season on Alfisols in Telangana&#x0D; Study Design: Split plot design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Regional Agricultural Research Station, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Palem, Telangana state, India during post monsoon season of 2010-11 and 2011-12.&#x0D; Methodology: The study consisted of four N levels (0, 40, 80 kg and 120 kg N ha-1) in main plots and five cultivars (DCH-177, PCH-111, GCH-4, Haritha and 48-1)in sub plots. The growth parameters, yield attributes, seed yield, water use efficiency, economic returns, correlation and regression were studied.&#x0D; Results: The pooled data indicated that significantly taller plants with more no. of branchesplant-1, longer and effective spikes thus seed yield of castor were observed due to application of 80 kg Nha-1 and 120 kg Nha-1. However, application of 120 kg N ha-1 resulted in greater net returns (USD 1049 ha-1) and also returns per rupee invested (1.66). The results further showed that the castor hybrids PCH-111 (1900 kg/ha) and DCH-177 (1809 kg/ha) produced similar yield, but, both significantly outyielded over other cultivars. The performance of hybrids was superior to the varieties. A highly significant positive correlation was observed for seed yield with no. of branches/plant, total and effective spike length.&#x0D; Conclusion: The cultivation of castor hybrids either PCH-111 or DCH-177 under N supply of 120 kg N ha-1 would help to realize higher yields, water use efficiency and income from post monsoon season castor on Alfisols.

Performance of elite castor (Ricinus communis L.) hybrids and varieties under rainfed Alfisols

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore to study the per se performance, productivity and profitability of seven elite castor hybrids and varieties. Treatments comprised five hybrids (GCH-8, DCH-177 DCH-519, GCH-7, GCH-4) and two varieties (48-1, DCS-107). Based on the pooled analysis, castor hybrids (GCG-8, DCH-177 and DCH-519) showed significantly higher total dry matter production (TDMP) on account of significant superiority in crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and absolute growth rate (AGR). Nevertheless, the performance of genotypes in this study was not a true reflection of their growth attributes. Therefore, castor genotypes did not show consistency for seed yield over the years of their evaluation. It was mainly due to their differential reaction to incidence of gray mold. During 2018 significantly higher grain yield (2369 kg/ha), oil yield (1152 kg/ha), gross return (` 1,23,188/ha), net return (` 99,809/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.95) was recorded in GCH-8. Whereas, during 2019, 48-1 recorded significantly higher grain yield (1270 kg/ha), oil yield (602 kg/ha), gross return (` 66,040/ha), net return (` 36,897/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.27). Based on the pooled analysis, castor hybrid GCH-8 (1777 kg/ha) recorded significantly higher yield and closelyfollowed by castor variety 48-1 (1476 kg/ha) and DCS-107 (1444 kg/ha).

Bio-Energetics in Selected Eco-Races of Eri Silkworm

Ericulture is mainly confined to North-Eastern region of India accounting nearly 98% of eri silk produced in the country. Eri silkworm is polyphagous in habit and acclimatized to hardy climatic zones of dry lands. The availability of food plants in various states of the country has opened new vistas for the development of ericulture. An attempt has been made to work out the bio-energetics of selected eco-races of eri silkworm in relation to castor varieties. Total food consumption and digestion differed significantly among the castor hybrid/ variety and eco-races of eri silkworm. Highest total food consumption was registered when Borduar eco-race of eri silkworm was reared on the leaf of DCH-177 hybrid both on fresh and dry weight basis. Further, significantly higher mean consumption index and approximate digestibility were observed when Borduar eco-race of eri silkworm was reared on the leaves of DCH-177 castor hybrid on fresh weight basis, while it was significantly more in DCH-177 × Khanapara on dry weight basis. Mean growth rate was differed statistically between the castor hybrid/ variety and eco-races of eri silkworm and significantly more growth with DCH-177 × Borduar on fresh weight basis and DCH-177 × Mendipathar on dry weight basis.

Socio-Economic Impact of Hybrid Castor - (YRCH 1) among Salem and Namakkal Castor Farmers

India has the largest area (11.48 lakh ha) and the highest productivity (1666 kg ha-1) of castor in the world. Castor is one of the crucial non-edible oilseed crops grown in arid and semi-arid regions. Castor farming is currently besieged by a slew of issues, including fluctuating rainfall patterns, biotic and abiotic stress. Castor productivity can be boosted by using the latest improved castor hybrids, changing the planting pattern, using automation methods, and adopting new production technologies. So, introducing hybrid castors like YRCH 1 will boost castor productivity. The Hybrid castor-YRCH 1 was released in the year 2009 and more extension activities was undertaken to popularise this hybrid in the major castor growing districts of Tamil Nadu, by the Tapioca and Castor Research Station (TCRS), Yethapur, and the Krishi Vigyan Kendras of respective districts. The present study was undertaken with the objective of analysing the socioeconomic impact of Hybrid castor-YRCH 1 among castor farmers. This study was conducted in the Namakkal and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu, which has the maximum area under Hybrid castor (YRCH 1) cultivation. In this study, four villages have been selected, from which 120 farmers were selected by simple random sampling technique. Using a well structured interview schedule, the required data were collected and percentage analysis was done. From the findings, it is revealed that most farmers have increased material possession (62.92%) due to the adoption of Hybrid castor (YRCH 1) and its production technologies.