Yield Performance and Stability of Some Introduced Castor Hybrids in Nigerian Ecology

Abstract

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an industrial oil crop that is widely recognized as an ideal crop for tropical and subtropical regions. Nigeria has been identified as a country with high potential to meet her national castor oil need and provide surplus for export. This potential can be harnessed, only if adequate production technologies, such as improved varieties, are available to the farmers. In this research, three introduced castor hybrids (Code 11, Code 22 and Code 33) and two local checks (NCRICAS1 and NCRICAS2) were assessed for their yield performance and stability in Nigeria. The castor genotypes were evaluated in a replicated plots across six locations in the savanna ecologies of Nigeria. The results revealed significant differences for traits assessed among the genotypes. Average seed yield among the hybrids ranged between 596.58kg/ha and 1372.49kg/ha. Average seed yields of the checks ranged between 849.58kg/ha and 1239.63kg/ha. The hybrid Code 33 out yielded the two local checks at four locations (Badeggi, Benue, Kebbi and Sokoto) out of the six locations. The check 1 (Acc.036) recorded significant higher yield (1705.28kg/ha and 1648.15kg/ha) than the hybrid Code 33 (1573.91kg/ha and 867.58kg/ha) at Bacita and Bauchi locations. Besides recording comparable seed yield to the best hybrid (Code 33), the local check 1 (NCRICAS2) matured earlier than the hybrids evaluated. The GGE biplot view revealed good stability and responsiveness for both hybrid Code 33 (G5) and Acc.036 (G2). Based on performance per se, the hybrid Code 33 showed better adaptation to the ecology. However, further assessment on oil quantity and quality, and cost benefit analysis of the hybrid(s) in comparison to the local varieties is highly recommended.