Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

In Castor beans population’s improvement, new ideas and methods are required in seeking to improve efficiency of obtaining lines and hybrids, as well as decreasing the development time. In this context, the Cryptic Hybrids method appears as an alternative to these questions, which can be configured as an effective tool in breeding programs of species that have the\ZZ mixed type reproductive system. Thus, the objective of this study was of to compare of castor bean hybrids produced by the conventional method, with those of the Cryptic Hybrids method. Experiments to evaluate hybrids on grain productivity were developed in the 2006/2007, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 agricultural years simultaneously in the municipalities of Lins-SP and Penápolis-SP. This was conducted using randomized block design with four replications. The oil productivity and plant height were determined over the last two years. The results of the castor hybrids grain and oil productivity demonstrated the ability of the cryptic hybrids to overcome the hybrids obtained conventionally. In addition, it was verified that there were no differences in the oil content of the seeds as a function of the method of obtaining hybrids. Regarding the size of the plants, good agronomic characteristics and low size was observed, yet, compared to conventional hybrids, had, on average, greater stature. Thus, the Cryptic Hybrids method was efficient in obtaining superior lines and hybrids of castor bean, when compared to conventional "Standard" method.