ACHIEVEMENTS OF CASTOR RESEARCH PROGRAMME
The following are the achievements of the programme during year 2020:
1. Release of Two Castor Varieties for Nigerian Farmers: At the 27th Meeting of National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, the Castor Programme registered and released two castor varieties (NCRICAS1 & NCRICAS2) at the committee meeting in Ibadan.
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NCRICAS1
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NCRICAS2
2. Optimum Conservation of the Institute’s Castor Germplasm: The programme ensured timely and adequate seeds regeneration of the Institute’s Castor Germplasm for optimum conservation for research and future uses.
3. Development of Improved Castor Genotypes for Subsequent Release: Ten outstanding castor genotypes with 16.05% to 27.63% yield advantages over the existing varieties have been generated for further screening.
4. Development of Trait Specific Germplasm: The programme has successively commenced selection of trait specific lines for major yield components of castor: A total of 47 lines have been generated for further evaluations.
5. Development of Pistillate (100% female flowers) Lines: The programme has successively commenced selection for pistillate lines that could be used for hybrid development in the Institute. Nine (9) Pistillate lines have been identified for further selection.
6. Determination of appropriate rate of Organo-mineral fertilizer application for optimum yield of castor: For adequate castor soil management, the programme has formulated and evaluated appropriate rate of Organo-mineral fertilizer application for optimum yield of castor at Badeggi (Southern Guinea Savanna Ecology of Nigeria). Organomineral fertilizer at the rate of 1000kg/ha resulted in optimum yield of castor at the location.
