Abstract

Among the different oil seed crops cultivated in India, the castor plant (Ricinus communis) appears to be one of the most important and extensively grown ones. Recent statistics* indicate that among the well-known castor growing areas of the world, such as Brazil, Russia, India and Egypt, India stands not only as the foremost grower but is also responsible for over 90 per cent of the world's export trade in castor. Inside India though the crop is cultivated, in small areas in parts of Berar, Baroda, Behar and the United Provinces, we find that the largest area under castor is to be found in Peninsular India including the Nizam's dominions, Mysore and the Madras Presidency; ip fact, the aren under this crop is greatest in the Nizam's dominions. the ceded districts and Mysore coming next in order. It is also well known that apart from its use as an oil seed producing plant, the castor plant is also utilised in many parts of India to feed the eri silk- worm- the rearing of which is becoming a popular and important cottage industry; in fact, the eri silk-worm is so named after its food plant (Erandi or Eri-castor). In view of such importance, it is up to South India to do everything in its power to hold its own superior position as the premier castor growing area in the world. One of the duties of the South Indian Castor grower, therefore, is to have suffici ent knowledge of the insect pests, which cause serious damage to the growing crop, which often results in substantial loss to him.

Keywords: