Performance of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Genotypes at Different Nutrient Levels under Rainfed Condition in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka

摘要

Field experiments were conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Babbur Farm, Hiriyur during kharif seasons of 2007, 2008 and 2009 to assess the yield performance of castor varieties and hybrids in relation to fertilizer input. All the five castor genotypes tested recorded comparable plant height, primary spike length, number of capsules per spike and 100-seed weight. The castor variety 48-1 produced higher seed yield and closely followed by DCH-177 hybrid. The variety DCS-9 recorded lowest 100 seed weight. 150 per cent RDF recorded the highest number of capsules per spike and 100 seed weight. All the five genotypes evaluated for nutrient levels were comparable with regard to seed yield. Among the different nutrient levels and genotypes 150per cent RDF with 48-1 recorded significantly highest seed yield over other doses of nutrients, whereas non application of fertilizer with DOH-32 hybrid recorded significantly lowest seed yield.