Growth and yield responses of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) at two enhanced CO₂ levels

Abstract

Growth and yield responses of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) to two elevated CO 2 levels (550 and 700 ppm) were evaluated up to the maturity of first order spikes in open top chambers (OTCs). The growth characteristics -root and shoot lengths, root volume, root:shoot ratios, leaf area, dry weights of different plant parts, leaf area duration and crop growth rate increased with 550 and 700 ppm of CO 2 levels compared with ambient control. The spike length, pod and seed yield of first order spikes increased under enhanced CO 2 levels over ambient control. Elevated CO 2 levels significantly increased the total biomass and yield of castor bean, however enhanced CO 2 levels per se did not changed the content and quality of the castor oil. A positive response of castor bean to increased CO 2 concentrations is a good indication for its future existence in potentially changed climatic conditions.

Impact of elevated Carbon Dioxide on two groundnut genotypes (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Open Top Chamber facility

“…The genotype K-9 showed better response of stem dry weight than Dharani at eCO2. Similar increase in stem dry weight throughout the crop growth period with eCO2 in castor was reported by Vanaja et al [8]. …”

Apis mellifera pollination improves agronomic productivity of anemophilous castor bean (Ricinus communis)

“…Since ancient times it has been exploited for its oil which was used as ingredient to cosmetics, shampoo, soap, hand lotion, laxative, fuel for lamps and as a high speed lubricant (Capasso et al 1994, Copley et al 2005, Morris et al 2011. Nowadays, castor bean is cultivated mainly for biodiesel production because the oil content of its seeds reach up to 50% (Melo et al 2008, Sailaja et al 2008, Vanaja et al 2008.…”

Estimating Spatial Population Structure through Quantification of Oil Content and Phenotypic Diversity in Pakistani Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.) Germplasm

“…This lower level of genetic variability can also be attributed to over domestication, long term cultivation of selective genotypes, gene flow and smaller population size (Allan et al, 2008;Goodarzi et al, 2012). Besides, oil content offered significant variability as well as enhanced quantity (~55%) in Pakistani castor bean population, whereas major groups previous studies have reported meagre 42-45% oil content in castor bean (Vanaja et al, 2008;Goodarzi et al, 2012). Accessions 21102, 21447, 21455, 24828 and 24835 with oil content more than 50% could be utilized in selection as parental lines while breeding for improved oil content.…”