Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources

A crop specific exploration was conducted to collect diversity in castor (Ricinus communis L.) from different parts of Andhra Pradesh having a tradition of growing castor as sole crop, trap/shade crop and as backyard plant. A total of 122 accessions including landraces and primitive cultivars were collected. Variability was observed for different characters viz., bloom (waxy coating on aerial parts of plant), stem coluration, plant height and node numbers, nature and size of raceme, spike shape and compactness and type, size and dehiscence nature of capsules. Probable sources for resistance/tolerance to wilt, botrytis, sucking pests besides early maturing types, have been identified based on phenotypic characters. The collected germplasm with the wide diversity needs to be further characterized and evaluated for utilization in improvement programmes.