Performance of castor (Ricinus communis) cultivars and their response to fertilizer and plant protection

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 1989-90 and 1990-91 to study performance of castor (Ricinus communis L.) varieties and their response to fertilizer and plant-protection-chemicals at Mandor. Castor hybrid 'GCII 4' showed superiority to 'Aruna' for 1000·seed weight, oil content, and seed and oil productivity and loss incidence of jassid (Empoasca flavescens Fabr.). The former gave additional oil yield (723 kg/ha) and net return (Rs 6 609/ha) compared with the latter. Hybrid 'GCH 4' significantly responded to fertilizer application in terms of seed and oil yields. However, the yield of 'Aruna' was at par under fertilized and unfertilized conditions. The 2 cultivars responded significantly to plant-protection sprays, recording higher seed and oil productivity and net return than their unprotected crop. Despite low jassid infestation in 'GCH 4' compared with' Aruna', both suffered similar loss in yield in unprotected plots.