Genetic Analysis for Yield and Quality Traits in Castor

Castor [Ricinus communis (L.)] is a major oil crop which grows arid and semi-arid Indian areas. In the tropical subtropical and temperate regions of the world Castor is cultivated. The crop is highly adjustable. It is grown on a commercial scale in around 30 countries including India Brazil China Russia Thailand and the Philippines. India is the biggest beaver growing country in the world. Castor seed contains between 48 and 56 percent of the oil of huge industrial value the oil of which is used primarily in plastic nylon hydraulic pharmaceutical and artificial leather. Refined oil has a good market.The castor oil has additional properties than other vegetable oils as it does not freeze even under the temperature conditions of -12oC to -18oC. Therefore the knowledge of genetic activities involving the inheritance of many economically significant quantitative features can help to create an effective reproductive strategy for rapid development of beaver for the systematic and competitive program. There is very little information available on these aspects of castor genotypes particularly in terms of quality.