ABSTRACT
Castor is an important non-edible oilseed crop belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. The castor seed contains about 45-47% oil, which is mostly used for industrial and veterinary medicinal purposes. Castor is reported to be infected by several plant pathogens at every stage of crop growth, which includes mostly fungi and bacteria. Wilt, root rot and grey mould are the nationwide serious diseases in the castor growing areas causing economic yield losses. In this chapter, the authors have tried to give a brief description of the major diseases of castor and its integrated management. It is a serious disease of castor inflicting considerable qualitative as well as quantitative losses. It is the most devastating foliar disease in the castor plantations of the era and oilseed farmers. Disease management in castor production is crucial to produce higher yields with the best quality oil to fulfil the demand of industrial and pharmaceutical uses.
