Castor Plant Breeding in Texas.

Oil from castor (Ricinus communis) has several unique properties that make it a high-value row crop. Several problems with castor hinder the popularity of the crop in Texas. The seeds are highly toxic, and the plants produce allergens that affect a high percentage of humans. Agronomically, it is drought tolerant and resistant to most diseases and insects. However, the maturity and plant types of many genotypes are not conducive to row crop production in temperate areas. In 2009, several lines, including accessions from Guatemala, were evaluated in College Station, Texas. This evaluation was conducted in order to determine if any of these lines may have value in a Texas based breeding program. There was wide variation of plant types and seed properties among the lines studied.