Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is a vital industrial oilseed crop with an indeterminate growth habit, often leading to excessive branching that reduces seed quality and yield. This chapter highlights the agronomic practice of nipping—removal of internodal buds on primary, secondary, and tertiary branches—to optimize spike development and improve yield. Nipping enhances air circulation, reduces disease incidence (e.g., botrytis), and improves the source–sink relationship for better photosynthate allocation. When combined with proper nutrition and spacing, nipping significantly increases oil yield and supports healthier crop stands. This practice is especially relevant for dryland farming systems aiming to boost productivity and farmer income sustainably.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-3224-4_4Altmetric score:
Dimensions Citation Count:
Publication year
2025
Authors
Shashidhar, K.S.; Premaradhya, N.; Bhuvaneswari, S.; Praneeth Varma, M.; Singh, A.K.; Krishnamurthy, D.
Language
English
Keywords
castor, oilseed crops, agronomic practices, nipping, crop management, yield improvement, plant spacing, disease control, dryland farming, sustainable agriculture
Source
Ricinus Communis: A Climate Resilient Commercial Crop for Sustainable Environment
Geographic
India
