Genotype x Environment interaction and stability analysis for seed yield and sex attributing traits in castor (Ricinus communis L.)

The present study was conducted to assess the existence of genotype x environmental (G X E) interactions and stability for sex related traits in castor using 16 genotypes under three artificially created environments over three locations in Kharif 2012. Pooled Analysis of variance over three environments revealed the genotypic variances were highly significant for all the sex related characters which indicated considerable genetic variability in the population. Stability parameters for sex expression revealed that for per cent pistillate whorls on primary raceme the genotypes VP 1, JP 65, SKP 84 and JI 35 were found better under poor environments. The female parents VP 1, JP 65 and SKP 84 showed stable and consistent performance in all order of spikes whereas, the male parent 48-1 had above average response and high stability in better environments for per cent pistillate whorls on secondary raceme only. Thus, parental lines VP 1, JP 65, SKP 84 and JI 35 may be utilized in hybrid breeding programme to exploit their consistent performance for sex expression in all order of spike.