Identification of castor genotypes for water use efficiency (WUE) and root traits

Abstract

Sixty four genotypes were sown in two specially constructed structures at DOR to identify castor germplasm and breeding lines for better water use efficiency (WUE) and root traits. In each structure, 32 lines were sown in two replications with four plants per replication. Observations on various growth parameters, WUE traits, root characters and total dry matter (TDM) were recorded at the time of harvest (90 days after sowing). Among different root characters, root volume and root dry weight showed strong positive correlation (r > 0.80) compared to root length (r = 0.32) with TDM. Leaf area index (LAI) and stem girth also showed strong positive correlation of >0.80 with TDM. Among the 64 lines screened, thirteen lines showed root length >230 cm, root volume of >250 ml, root dry weight of >40g, LAI >3.0 and TDM >350g/plant. These lines include RG 1450, RG 1611, RG 1661, RG 1826, RG 2122, RG 2149, RG 2714, RG 2797, RG 2826, RG 2850, RG 3063, GCH 5 and 48-1.