GERMPLASM COLLECTION, SEED PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND FIELD SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT OF CASTOR (RICINUS COMMUNIS L.) IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.) is one of the most versatile oil crops with high soCio- economic values around the world. The crop has been demonstrating its economnic potentials by earning notable foreign exchange credits to many countries. However, following the incorporation of castor into national research mandate in Nigeria, lack of adequate germplasm and active castor breeding programs that can generate improved varieties have been identified as some of the limitations to commercialization of castor in the country Based on this background, local and exotic castor germplasm were collected, characterized based on seed physical properties and evaluated for field seedling establishment at three locations. The collections revealed high divergence in seed colour, seed shape, seed mottle, seed caruncle and seed sizes. Variability observed in 100 seed-weights among the accessions ranged from 8.5lg to 65g with average of 20.48g High significant variability in seedling establishment was observed among the accessions. 1he highest establishments (87-89 )were recorded in Acc.002 and Acc.062 across the locations and the least (10- 17 6) was recorded in Acc. 104. Significant genotypie efect and nO Significant effect of genotype X location were recorded. High broad sense heriabilny oJ 88 and 22.51 per cent genetic gain show' good expected gain from selection prO8as e gemplasm reported here represents some available genetic resources for castor esearch. 2n1s 1s to enhance the uses of castor genelic resources for integrated research among SCientists