Ricinus communis: An abiotic stress-tolerant crop for reclamation of wasteland reclamation

Abstract

Land resources are limited and under pressure for food production and biofuels. Polluted and contaminated land will negatively impact the economy and standard of living. Ecologically, socially, and commercially, it would be advantageous to clean up this land and plant non-food crops. Phytoremediation with Ricinus communis (R. communis, castor bean) gained enormous attention. This plant is delving significance in environmental remediation, especially when it comes to abiotic challenges such as salt, drought, HMs (HM) contamination, and industrial pollutants. Originating from Ethiopia and Africa, this plant exhibits remarkable adaptability to adverse conditions and has a long history dating back to ancient times. R. communis has garnered attention for its multifaceted utility, including the manufacture of valuable materials such as castor oil and ricinoleic acid. In recent decades, the focus has shifted towards the ecological positivity of R. communis, particularly to mitigate soil pollution. With the rise in HM pollution from unplanned disposal of waste and industrial effluents, the need for sustainable solutions to restore contaminated sites has become paramount. Because of its resilience to a range of stressors, including exposure to harmful elements like nickel, chromium, copper, manganese, and arsenate, it has emerged as a boon in this domain. Overall, the utilization of R. communis holds significant promise in various domains, including environmental remediation, bioenergy production, and soil restoration. By leveraging its multifaceted utility and advancements in further approaches, R. communis is the crop that can withstand abiotic stress and be utilized to reclaim wasteland and help create a more sustainable future. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved.