Characterization of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Genotypes through Morphological and Biochemical Markers

Seventeen castor genotypes were compared by using morphological and biochemical markers. Sixteen morphological traits, proximate composition of seeds and SDS-PAGE profiles of 7 DAG seedlings were studied. Cluster analysis of morphological markers showed that ANDCI-10-1 and ANDCI-10-2 were genetically similar genotypes. ANDCI-10-1 and SKI-215 were most distant genotypes. ANDCI-10-2 had highest moisture, protein, potassium, phosphorus and iron content. ANDCI-10-1 had highest manganese and copper content. The highest ash content (7.13%) was found in ANDCI-10-5. The highest oil content was found in ANDCI-10-9 (50.33%, with hull) and ANDCI-10-6 (65.19%, without hull). ANDCI-10-5 had highest total soluble sugar content (2.80%). SDS-PAGE banding pattern showed bands of 12.11 to 169.83 kDa with Rm value 0.922 and 0.100 respectively. Cluster analysis showed that ANDCI-10-4 and ANDCI-10-6 were the most similar while ANDCI-10-1 and SKI-215 were the most distant genotypes.