Evaluation of Castor Ecotypes of Selected Regions of the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India through Bio-Chemical Assay

An investigation has been conducted to estimate the nutritional value (leaf moisture, chlorophyll, total protein, total sugars, total phenols and mineral constituents) in leaves of identified castor (Ricinus communis L. ) ecotypes found in the natural habitat of the selected regions [Heggada Devana Kote, Madikeri, Sakaleshpur, Shimoga, Sirsi and Mysore (control for comparison)] of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The essence of the study is to select a best castor ecotype (s) for rearing of the domesticated vanya silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini Boisduval, as castor has been adjudged as the better food plant for production of valuable eri cocoons. The castor ecotypes existed in the Western Ghats of Karnataka were identified based on molecular characterization and were authenticated through National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) by awarding accession numbers viz. , KJ000402, KJ000403, KJ000404, KJ000405, KJ000406, KJ000407, KJ130043, KJ130044, KJ130045, KJ130046, KJ130047 and KJ130048. The leaves collected at different heights of the plant in each of the identified castor ecotypes were pooled and processed for estimation of bio-molecules adopting standard protocols. The results of the investigation revealed that, the castor ecotype bearing accession number KJ000406 showed superiority in respect of leaf moisture, chlorophyll, total protein, total sugars, total phenols and major (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), secondary (calcium, magnesium and sulphur) and micro (manganese, zinc, iron and copper) nutrients. However, ecotypes bearing accession numbers KJ000404, KJ130043 and KJ130045 stood next best in their superiority for all the biochemical components. Interestingly, KJ130048 ecotype found least in respect of all the bio-molecules analyzed in the leaf samples.