Effect of irrigation methods on growth, yield and economics of hybrid varieties of castor (Ricinus communis)

A field experiment was conducted during 2006-08 at Sardarkrushinagar to find out suitable method of irrigation and high-yielding hybrids of castor (Ricinus communis L.). The highest growth parameters, viz plant height at 90 and 120 days after sowing as well as at maturity and yield attributes, like length of spike, capsule/spike, effective spikes/plant, seed yield/primary spike and seed yield/plant were recorded in the treatment receiving 60 mm irrigation in all the furrows at 0.8 IW : CPE ratio, followed by alternate to alternate furrows with 45 mm irrigation. The highest seed and stalk yield with maximum net realization of Rs 58 187/ha was recorded with irrigation in all the furrows, followed by alternate to alternate furrow with 45 mm irrigation with net realization of Rs 56 258/ha but alternate to alternate furrow with 45 mm irrigation recorded the maximum benefit : cost ratio of 3.01. The highest growth parameters and yield attributes as well as seed and stalk yield was recorded in castor hybrid 'GCH 5' with maximum net realization of Rs 53 287/ha with benefit : cost ratio of 2.92 was also obtained in 'GCH 5'.