Improving castor productivity through different sowing schedules and genotypes under rainfed condition

Field experiment was conducted at Tapioca and Castor Research Station during 2014–15 on evaluation of different sowing schedules (August, September, October and November) and varieties/hybrids (DCS-107, DCH-177, GCH-7 and YRCH-1) in castor. Among the sowing dates, sowing of castor at 2^nd fortnight of August has recorded significantly higher kernel yield (705.8 kg/ha) followed by September (497.0 kg/ha) over October and November sown plots due to deficit in rainfall. Among the varieties/hybrids tested GCH-7 has recorded significantly higher mean kernel yield (597.7 kg/ha) in all dates of sowing over other genotypes. GCH-7 and DCH 177 have recorded significantly higher kernel yield by taking sowing during 2^nd fortnight of August (1046 and 927.6 kg/ha).