Dr. M. N. MERWADEMALIK REHAN I. JAMADAR2018-01-202018-01-202014-08http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810039713The field and laboratory experiments were carried out during 2012-13 and 2013-14 at MARS, UAS, Dharwad to ascertain the effect of sowing dates, fertilizer levels, foliar nutrition, seed treatments and accelerated ageing on newly released F1 hybrid castor GCH-7. Foliar application Nitrophoska @ 2% to the female plants at flower initiation and peak flowering stages recorded significantly higher number of female flowers (197), sex ratio (1.70), F1 hybrid seed setting (89.32%) and yield (20.95 q/ha), test weight (30.07 g), seed germination (95.20%) and seedling vigour index (3272) which was followed by 100 ppm Ethephon and DAP @ 2 per cent as compare to the control. Seeds primed with 2 per cent Calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution recorded significantly higher seed germination (94.23%) and vigour index (2583). Seeds treatment with 4.0 g Carbendazim + 3.0g Thiram per kg of seeds has produced more number of healthy seedlings, increased seedling survival (88.42%) and lower seedling mortality (11.58%). Irrespective of fertilizer levels and experimental seasons sowing on 1st August and 15th October resulted in the significantly highest seed setting (81.23 and 85.33%) and yield per ha (23.45 and 13.34 q) in Kharif and Rabi respectively, due to increased femaleness (171.83 and 90.31) and sex ratio (22.91 and 2.61 ) as compared to late sown crop. Irrespective of sowing dates and seasons castor seed crop significantly out yielded (22.64 and 15.85 q/ha) with higher seed quality due to increased fertilizer (105:70:25 NPK kg/ha) application. Treatment combination of early sowing and higher fertilizer levels (105:70:25 NPK kg/ha) recorded the significantly more F1 hybrid seed setting (84.69%) and yield (26.42 q/ha) with superior quality traits. Seed quality parameters were maintained for long duration up to 8 days over those aged for 12 days with early sown crop of Rabi season when Accelerated ageing test was conducted.ennullThesis