Growth, yield components and yield of intercropped castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Significantly higher plant height was observed with Castor + fingermillet (152.81 cm) as compared to all other treatments. Sole castor recorded significantly higher number of branches per plant and number of leaves per plant, (6.57 and 10.15 respectively) followed by castor + chilli (6.56 and 9.51). Whereas, in case of leaf area per plant and leaf area index (LAI), sole castor was found significantly superior (1296.4 cm² and 0.32) followed by castor + clusterbean (1207.1 cm² and 0.30). Sole castor registered significantly higher total dry matter accumulation (195.67 g plant⁻¹) over other treatments. Significantly higher castor yield (1848 kg ha⁻¹) was recorded by sole castor followed by castor + clusterbean (1430 kg ha⁻¹), castor + chilli (1161 kg ha⁻¹) and castor + fieldbean (1025 kg ha⁻¹). Sole castor also recorded higher water use efficiency (WUE) (3.99 kg ha⁻¹ mm) followed by castor + clusterbean (3.08 kg ha⁻¹ mm) and castor + chilli (2.50 kg ha⁻¹ mm).