Yield Of Castor Research Articles

QTL mapping and candidate gene mining of seed size and seed weight in castor plant (Ricinus communis L.).

Castor (Ricinus communis L., 2n = 2x = 20) is an important industrial crop, due to its oil is very important to the global special chemical industry. Seed size and seed weight are fundamentally important in determining castor yield, while little is known about it. In this study, QTL analysis and candidate gene mining of castor seed size and seed weight were conducted with composite interval mapping (CIM), inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) and marker enrichment strategy in 4 populations, i.e., populations F2, BC1, S1-1 and S1-2, derived from 2 accessions with significant phenotypic differences. In the QTL primary mapping, 2 novel QTL clusters were detected in marker intervals RCM520-RCM76 and RCM915-RCM950. In order to verify their accuracy and to narrow their intervals, QTL remapping was carried out in populations F2 and BC1. Among them, 44 and 30 QTLs underlying seed size and seed weight were detected in F2 population using methods CIM and ICIM-ADD respectively, including 4-9 and 3-5 ones conferring each trait were identified with a phenotypic variation explained ranged from 37.92 to 115.81% and 32.86-45.98% respectively. The remapping results in BC1 population were consistent with those in F2 population. Importantly, 3 QTL clusters (i.e. QTL-cluster1, QTL-cluster2 and QTL-cluster3) were found in marker intervals RCM74-RCM76 (37.1kb), RCM930-RCM950 (259.8kb) and RCM918-RCM920 (172.9kb) respectively; in addition, all of them were detected again, the former one was found in the S1-2 population, and the latter two were found simultaneously in the populations S1-1 and S1-2. Finally, 6 candidate genes (i.e. LOC8266555, LOC8281168, LOC8281151, LOC8259066, LOC8258591 and LOC8270077) were screened in the above QTL clusters, they were differentially expressed in multiple seed tissues of both parents, signifying the potential role in regulating seed size and seed weight. The above results not only provide new insights into the genetic structure of seed size and seed weight in castor, but also lay the foundation for the functional identification of these candidate genes.

Effect of Potassium Schoenite (Mahalaabh) on Growth and Yield of Castor, Cotton and Groundnut

The need for precise nutrient application has become crucial in agriculture due to climate change and intensive farming practices. Deficiencies in potassium, magnesium and sulphur are critical for enhancing both crop yield and quality. Additionally, agrochemical residues in soil, water and farm products pose significant challenges. Mahalaabh (K2SO4·MgSO4·6H2O), a combination of potassium, sulphur and magnesium, offers a balanced solution to address these issues. Field experiments were conducted during the Kharif season of 2023-24 at Agrocel Industries Pvt. Ltd., Kachchh, to evaluate the impact of Mahalaabh on castor, cotton and groundnut crops. The trials were executed in a Randomized Block Design, testing different doses of Mahalaabh powder through foliar spray, fertigation and granular soil application. The results demonstrated that Mahalaabh powder is effective in enhancing productivity across the tested crops. In castor, higher doses of 10 kg/acre through drip irrigation and 20g/L foliar application increased productivity by 22.3% and 14.3% over the recommended fertilizer dose (RFD), respectively. However, in cotton, lower doses of 6kg/acre through drip irrigation and 10g/L through foliar application were more effective, resulting in 3.8% and 5.3% yield enhancements compared to RFD. In groundnut, foliar spray at 15 g/L applied thrice at 30-35, 50-55, and 70-75 days after sowing (DAS) was effective, resulting in a 22.9% higher pod yield compared to RFD. These findings highlight the importance of balanced nutrient management practices tailored to specific crop requirements for achieving optimal agricultural productivity.

Performance of castor-based intercropping in semi-arid zone of Haryana

To enhance the productivity of castor per unit area and over time, a study was conducted during the kharif 2020-21 season at the Regional Research Station, CCS HAU, Bawal,. The study aimed to evaluate the compatibility, production potential, and optimal row proportions of component crops in intercropping systems involving castor. The field investigation was carried out to identify suitable intercrops for maximizing castor yield and analyse the economic viability of various treatments under two different row spacing for castor: 150 cm and 200 cm. The results indicated that the highest castor seed and stalk yield were achieved in sole castor (3,879 kg/ha and 5,656 kg/ha, respectively) with 200 cm row spacing, a similar performance was observed with a 150 cm row spacing. Further, intercropping of castor (150 cm) + mungbean (1:2) recorded higher seed yield (3,547 kg/ha) and stalk yield (5,248 kg/ha), highest castor equivalent yield (4,220 kg/ha) and land equivalent ratio (1.53) and resulted in higher economic returns with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.78.

PROCESS FORMULATION AND USAGE OF CASTOR SEED OIL AND POLYVINYL ACETATE ADMIXTURE IN THE MANUFACTURING OF EMULSION PAINT

Paints are widely used for surface coating, they are made with combinations of different raw materials, for example polyvinyl acetate. The cost of this raw material is increasing daily in Nigeria due higher exchange rate of dollar to naira coupled with an increasing number of entrepreneurs using this material for paint production daily. This raw material is synthetic and not eco-friendly. Therefore, this research seeks to fill this gap by using natural material (castor seed oil) that is cheap and eco-friendly as combinatorial with polyvinyl acetate. Castor seed oil used for this research was sourced from a local market in Delta State. Castor seed oil was extracted using solvent extraction. Paint was produced using four different formulations; Paint produced was characterized using ASTM method. Results obtained from the work showed 43.5 yield of castor seed oil, results of opacity, viscosity, specific gravity, drying time and pH are in the range of 9.5-22, 0.92-0.94,1.01-1.15 gcm3, 25-30 minutes, 7.9-8.6 respectively. The combination of 60% Polyvinyl acetate to 40% Castor seed oil was more effective for paint production due to its low viscosity ( 0.920C) and high specific density (1.15 kg/L). Therefore, 60% Polyvinyl acetate to 40% Castor seed oil combinatorial is recommended for paint production for economic and environmental gain

Assessment of spatial nutrient variability at farm level for castor crop (Ricinus communis l.) in semiarid region of Telangana state in India

Site Specific Nutrient Management is a system for maximum yields in field crops. Nutrient Management Zones were developed for castor crop (Ricinus communis L.) in Inceptisols. Grids of 15 x 15 m were made in one hectare and soil samples were collected from each grid and were analyzed for soil characteristics and all available nutrients. Based on analytical data the geo-statistical analysis, varoni maps and different models were developed. The castor yield data was compared in nutrient management zones with farmers practice (FP) and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF). The variable rates of fertilizers used in SSNM was 92, 53, 15, 40 & 25 kg of N, P, K, S and Zn/ ha and 100, 40, 30 and 80, 40, 30 kg of N, P, K in farmers practice and RDF plots and the yields realized were 28 q/ha and 15 and 13 q/ha in SSNM, RDF and farmer’s practice treatments respectively.

Effect of rate of irrigation and brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Mokwa

This study determines the effect of rates of irrigation and brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor. The experiment was conducted in Mokwa, Niger state. A completely randomized design (CRD) was set up potted with improvised drip irrigation system with five treatments replicated three times. The pots were spaced at 2m x 2m distance. The treatments were; T1 – 2 liters (Ls) of water per week (w), T2- 2 Ls daily for 2 days/w (4 liters per week), T3 – 2 L daily for 3 days /w (6 liters per week), T4 – 2 L daily for 4 days / w (8 liters per week) and T5 – one liter a week. The soil preparation was done by treating the soil with bat manure; 50 Kg bags were half filled with soil from the college orchard, each bag was mixed with 2 Kg of bat manure. The soil was moistened for three days and allow for partial decomposition. Soil physical and chemical analysis was done before treatment by taking sample from a pot at depth of 0 - 20 cm with soil augers. The plant parameters determined include; Seedling Emergence, Plant Height (cm), Number leaves, Number of branches, Days to 50% Flowering, total Pod Number and seed oil yield. From the trial conducted the following conclusions were drawn: although castor can tolerate moisture stress, it performs well with irrigation at 8 liters per week per plant. The appropriate rate of irrigation that gives a better growth and yield of Castor plant were determined to be 8 liters per every 4 days. No irrigation should be given during maturity stage because it delayed maturity and also influences new vegetative growth. Farmers can work with the recommended rate of 8 L/4 days for castor for optimum yield.

Frontline demonstrations in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh : An impact analysis

Madhya Pradesh is one of the potential States for castor cultivation with highest productivity after Gujarat. Several technologies and crop management options have been developed by Directorate of Oilseeds Research (DOR) and All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on castor centres, that can significantly increase the yield, but adoption of these technologies by farmers has been far less than anticipated. Realizing the importance of extending these technologies for improving the yields at farmers' level, frontline demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted to show the productivity potential and profitability of improved production and protection technologies by AICRP Castor Chhindwara centre, Madhya Pradesh. The present study assessed the impact of these FLDs in enhancing the yield of castor and the socio-economic factors contributing to the adoption of improved technology by farmers. The results indicated that the mean seed yield and the additional net returns were higher in FLD farmers plots compared to non-FLD farmers. Adoption of farmer was highly correlated with socio-economic characteristics such as knowledge level, farm size and training programmes attended. The major contributing factors for adoption of improved practices were knowledge level and exposure to demonstrations.

Evaluation of efficacy of different concentrations of newer insecticides againstthrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) infesting castor

Field experiment was conducted at Centre for Oilseeds Research, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat India during 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-21 and 2021-22 to evaluate the efficacy of three newer insecticides (acetamiprid 20 SP, clothianidin 50 WDG, flonicamid 50 WG) with different concentrations (lower, normal and higher dose) against thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) infesting castor. Based on pooled analysis of four years data, mean population of thrips were found lower in plots treated with flonicamid 50 WG @ 0.019% (36.35 thrips/tender spike/plant), flonicamid 50 WG @ 0.015% (37.57 thrips/tender spike/plant) followed by flonicamid 50 WG @ 0.011% (39.16 thrips/tender spike/plant) and acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.004% at its normal dose recorded 40.02 thrips/tender spike/plant which are at par with each other. The treatments acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.005% and clothianidin 50 WDG @ 0.031% observed 40.21 and 40.58 thrips/tender spike/plant, respectively. Maximum seed yield of castor was realized from the acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.005% treated plots (2284 kg/ha) followed by flonicamid 50 WG @ 0.019% (2220 kg/ha) and flonicamid 50 WG @ 0.015% (2148 kg/ha), which were at par with each other, whereas the lowest seed yield was recorded in control (1910 kg/ha). The maximum net gain (`24945/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (1:11.50) was obtained with application of acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.005% followed by acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.004 % (`6245/ha and 1:3.09) and flonicamid 50 WG (`16622/ha and 1:2.84).

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.

Response of Hybrid Castor Under Different Fertility Gradient: Correlation Between Castor Yield and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) Under Inductive Cum Targeted Yield Model on an Alfisol

ABSTRACT Precision application of nutrient based on soil test value is important for improving nutrient use efficiency and yield of hybrid castor. Field trial was conducted during 2021 at Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Yethapur, Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India (11035’ N, 780 29’ E). Fertilizer prescription equations (FPEs) were developed for hybrid castor by adopting inductive cum targeted yield model approach under irrigated condition on Alfisol. Initially, soil fertility gradients were established with respect to soil available N, P and K nutrients, and 24 treatments were imposed in three fertility strips under factorial randomized design. Principle component analysis revealed that all the variables accounted for developing the FPEs of hybrid castor are present at the positive quadrant which mean that all the variables are highly important toward the castor seed yield production. From the field experimental data, the basic parameters [nutrient requirement (NR) and nutrients contributions from farmyard manure (Co), fertilizer (Cf), and soil (Cs)] were computed. The nutrient required for producing one quintal of hybrid castor seed yield was evaluated as 3.20 kg of nitrogen, 1.23 kg of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), and 3.28 kg of potassium oxide (K2O). The study revealed that soil nutrient contribution was high in case of available phosphorus (41.87%), available nitrogen (21.56%), and available potassium (19.12%), respectively, toward P, N, and K nutrient uptake by hybrid castor. The nutrient contribution from farmyard manure (Co) toward the total uptake was 21.40% of N, 10.35% of P2O5, and 26.06% of K2O, respectively. FPEs for hybrid castor and a ready reckoner of fertilizer dosages were developed using basic data for operational range of soil test values for intended yield target under inorganic fertilization alone and Integrated plant Nutrient System (IPNS) (NPK and FYM).

Performance of castor in heavy metal polluted soils under the treatment of various decontaminants

In order to find out the performance of castor under decontaminant treated heavy metal polluted soils, an experiment was conducted at Students Farm, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during kharif 2016 to study the performance of castor in heavy metal polluted soil under the treatments of various decontaminants (various dosages of phosphorus as well as, quick lime). The dry matter before flowering, and stalk yield at harvest of castor varied from 429 to 516, 1460 to 1758 kg/ha, respectively. Among the different decontaminants highest dry matter yield and stalk yield (516 and 1758 kg/ha at before flowering and harvest) and seed yield (1720 kg/ha) was obtained in T5 (RDF+CaO @ 2 t/ha), which was significantly superior over all other treatments and on par with T4 (RDF+CaO @ 1 t/ha), and per cent increase over RDF was 20.41 and 23.56, respectively for stalk, and seed yield of castor. Decontamination treatments had reduced the mean Pb, Cd, Ni and Co contents of castor to 4.51, 0.65, 0.95 and 0.63 mg/kg, and increased mean uptake to 7.62, 1.17, 1.69 and1.09 g/ha respectively, for Pb, Cd, Ni and Co in seed at harvest. The Pb, Cd, Ni and Co contents of soil after harvest of the castor crop ranged from 17.11, 0.79, 1.89 and 1.22 mg/kg in the reference control and decreased to 14.60, 0.68, 1.67 and1.02 with RDF+CaO @ 2 t/ha treatment. The reduction in Pb, Cd, Ni and Co concentration in post-harvest soil was more due to Cao at different levels when compared to high phosphorus.

Effect of rate of irrigation and little brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Mokwa

Effect of rate of irrigation and little brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Mokwa

ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS AND CONTRIBUTION OF GROWTH AND YIELD CHARACTERS TO YIELD OF CASTOR IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

A field experiment was carried out at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University teaching and research farm, Bauchi located in the Northern Guinea Savannah and Bulkachuwa village of Katagum LGA located in Sudan Savannah both in Bauchi State, during the rainy seasons of 2016, 2017 and 2018 to study the association of growth and yield characters and their contribution to the yield of castor. The treatments consisted of five nutrient sources (poultry manure, cow dung, chicken feather, municipal waste, mineral fertilizer) and a control and two varieties of castor (Ex-India 1 and 2), factorially combined to give 12 treatments and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The result of the experiment revealed a significant and positive relationship as well as direct and indirect contribution of characters to the yield of castor. Except leaf area index (r = 0.174*), number of capsules (r = 0.169*) and seed oil content (r = 0.139*) that were only significant at (P≤0.05), all the parameters measured were positively related to grain yield. Except net assimilation rate (r = -0.643**), days to 50% flowering (r = -0.485**) and height to first raceme (r = -0.345**) that had negative relationship with grain yield, all other parameters exhibited a strong and positive relationship with castor grain yield. The result further indicated that, the direct contribution of plant height to seed yield was positive and highest. It was further observed that, the highest direct and negative contribution was observed with height to first raceme. It also showed that, direct and positive contribution to seed yield among the growth characters was only observed through plant height and crop growth rate. Yield characters on the other hand, a direct and positive contribution was observed with highest from 100 seed weight. Based on the results of this findings, improving characters that exhibit direct and positive contribution can improve the yield of castor in the study area.

A Comparative Analysis on Morphological and Physiological Characteristics between Castor Varieties (Ricinus communis L.) under Salt Stress

Salt stress is one of the main abiotic factors affecting castor yield. Wild castor resources can provide important insights for cultivated castor breeding. However, little is known about how wild castor responds or adapts to salt stress. To understand the physiological mechanisms for salt tolerance in castor, the morphological and physiological responses of two varieties, wild and cultivated castor, with contrasted salt tolerance were characterized under salt stress. Seedlings were exposed to 0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl. The results showed that salt application significantly inhibited the increase in chlorophyll content and relative water content of cultivated castor. The degree of electrolyte leakage of wild castor under salt stress was significantly less than that of cultivated castor. In addition, the WT showed a lower content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under the salt stress compared to CT. The activities of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, APX, GR, and MDHAR in the leaves of WT showed higher accumulation compared to those of CT under salt stress. The ratio of ASA/DHA and GSH/GSSG in leaves of WT showed a distinct increase compared to CT. In summary, our results revealed the salt stress resistance characteristics of wild castor. Wild castor also has the potential to be used as parental material in a breeding program. These results will be valuable for salt resistance breeding of cultivated castor.

Weed management with post-emergent herbicides in intercropped castor and common bean cultivation

The objective of this work was to evaluate the possibility of using herbicides registered for the cultivation of beans in castor crop when intercropped with beans and the influence of weeds in the crops. A randomized block design was used in a 2 x 4 + 1 factorial scheme with three replications. The herbicides chosen were: (A) fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen (125 + 125 g ai L-1) and (B) bentazon + imazamox (600 + 28 g ai L-1). They were applied in four different dosages (0.5; 1.0; 2.0 and 4.0 L ha-1) of the commercial product, plus a control as no weed management. The number of racemes per plant, number of berries per raceme, weight of one hundred grains and castor yield were evaluated. In the bean crop, the number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, weight of one hundred grains and grain yield were evaluated. Weed competition reduced crop yields by 65.5% for castor beans and 71.87% for beans when intercropped. The results suggest that intercropping of beans with castor is viable and weed management can be carried out with the herbicides evaluated in this study, respect to the doses. The herbicides demonstrate selectivity for BRS Paraguaçu castor crop, showing higher productivity at doses of 612.25 g ai ha-1 and 1506.4 g ai ha-1 of the herbicides fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen and bentazon + imazamox, respectively.

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.

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
 Study Design: Split plot design.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.

POTENTIAL AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS FOR SEMIARID REGIONS

The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of agroforestry systems in the semiarid, and to evaluate the productivity of eucalyptus in three planting spacing, in single cultivation in agroforestry systems. The comparison of the systems was in a randomized block design with four systems (monoculture; peanut systems; castor bean; cassava) and three eucalyptus spacing (10 m x 2 m, 10 m x 3 m and 10 m x 4 m). Monocultures and other characteristics were compared by randomized block design. Peanut productivity was evaluated at three and a half months, castor productivity at five and eight months and cassava productivity at 21 months. Eucalyptus productivity was measured at 13 and 21 months of age. The results showed that the wood production was greater in the 10 m x 2 m spacing and in the system with castor and single cultivation. The castor yield was higher in the system, in the 10 m x 3 m spacing, while the cassava productivity was higher in monoculture. The area equivalence index of the systems was higher than that of monocultures. Therefore, eucalyptus agroforestry systems intercropped with castor and cassava are suitable for the semiarid region. The 10 m x 2 m spacing provided a larger volume of wood (m³ ha-1). Castor yield was higher in the 10 m x 3 m spacing. For cassava, the highest yield was obtained in monoculture and in the system with 10 m x 3 m or 10 m x 4 m spacing.

Castor cultivation-an approach to get sustainable income under rainfed condition

The main focus of the present study was to assess the effect of cultivation of improved castor variety YTP 1 as pure crop under rainfed ecosystem in Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu. ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirugamani, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu introduced high yielding improved variety castor YTP 1 as pure crop through demonstrations in 4.0 ha (10 demonstrations). Interview schedule and focus group discussions were used on one hundred respondents randomly selected in the study area. The demonstrations were conducted during kharif season of 2019. Trainings on seed to seed castor cultivation techniques were imparted to selected farmers. Source seed (certified seed 1) was given to the farmers for sowing. Frequent field visits and inspections were made by the KVK scientists. The farmers harvested a castor yield of 12.7 q/ha from YTP 1 variety compared to 10.3 q/ha using inferior quality castor seed. There was a gross margin of Rs 1, 60, 625 per hectare and average cost-benefit ratio of 1: 2.28 due to YTP 1 variety. It was noticed that more yield and easy marketing were influencing factors for higher profitability of castor cultivation. The study concluded that the respondents preferred high yielding varieties like YTP 1 over local varieties.

Comparative performance of castor (Ricinus communis L.) and groundnut intercropping system under central dry zone of Karnataka

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2015 at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Babbur farm, Hiriyur. Pure crop of castor is tested against intercropping of groundnut. Among the different intercropping systems, castor + groundnut (1:7) ratio significantly recorded higher castor yield (916 kg ha-1) and castor equivalent yield (CEY: 2107 kg ha-1). Similarly, same treatment which recorded higher net returns (Rs. 55612) and B: C ratio (2.75).