Variability and character association analysis in Castor (Ricinus communis L.) 

Abstract

Forty seven castor germplasm and inbred lines were evaluated during Kharif-2009 for genetic variability and characters association in respect of ten characters studied. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all ten characters studied. High PCV, GCV, Heritability and Genetic advance as percentage of mean were observed for Plant height, length of primary raceme, number of capsule on primary raceme and seed yield per plant. Moderate heritability coupled with low to moderate genetic advance recorded by days to maturity of primary raceme and test weight. Days to flowering character was positive significantly correlated with days to maturity, number of node up to primary raceme and length of primary spike , while significantly negatively correlated with oil content. The trait 100 seed weight and oil content are negatively correlated. Days to maturity followed by number of effective spikes per plant recorded the highest positive direct effect on seed yield.