Performance of Castor (Ricinus communis) Genotypes Under Various Sowing Times and Row Spacings in Summer Season

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 1995 and 1996 at Junagadh to find out optimum time of sowing and row spacing for castor (Ricinus communis L.) genotypes. Sowing on 15 January favoured most of the yield attributes (capsules/main spike, seed weight/main spike, spikes/plant, capsules/plant, test weight and seed weight/plant) and resultantly seed yield. The level of spacing did not affect growth and yield attributes; however, there was a significant increase in branches/plant, spikes/plant, capsules/plant, seed weight/plant and seed yield with wider row spacing (90 cm). The variety GCH 4 recorded the highest seed yield with improved growth and yield attributes.