S. Narender Reddy

Genetic Variability Studies for WUE Related Traits in F2 Mapping Population of Castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Castor during its life cycle, suffers from biotic and abiotic stresses. Drought, a complex combination of stresses, involves both moisture stress and high temperature stress. Although some agronomic interventions to conserve soil moisture and enhance Water Use Efficiency (WUE) are available, identification of castor varieties tolerant to drought and efficient in water use offers the best long term and cost effective solutions. Drought tolerance in any crop depends on its intrinsic capabilities to maintain high WUE. Identification of reliable traits for screening castor genotypes for drought tolerance as well as availability of genotypic variability for these traits is the research priority.