Productivity of Rainfed Castor as Influenced by Plant Geometry and Nitrogen Levels

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted at  Agricultural Research Station, Utukur,Kadapa of Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University to study the performance of rainfed castor  hybrid PCH 111 under varied levels of nitrogen with different planting patterns during kharif seasons of  2012 and 2013.The study was laid out in a split plot design with three replications comprising of  three planting patterns, viz.,  90 cm x 30 cm (P₁), 90 cm x 45 cm (P₂), 90 cm x 60 cm (P₃)  and three nitrogen levels viz., 60 kg ha^-1 (N₁), 90 kg ha^-1 (N₂) , and 120 kg ha^-1 (N₃). Number of spikes per plant and number of capsules per spike (58.84, 69.07 in 2012 and 2013 respectively) were more when castor was planted at 90 cm x 45 cm.  Hundred seed weight and seed yield were not significantly influenced by planting geometry. Application of 120 kg N ha^-1 recorded higher number of spikes per plant and capsules per spike but it was on par with 90 kg N ha^-1. Seed yield was higher with application of 120 kg N ha^-1  in both the years but it was on par with 90 kg N  ha^-1.Comparatively higher seed yield was recorded during 2013 due to the receipt of high rainfall.