The production of castor bean is of great importance to Brazil. However, there are no data available about its performance in the Amazonian region. In this study, three commercial varieties and one "population" selected near Manaus, were compared. The average/ha yield was 1.090 kg, 956 kg, 802 kg and 635 kg for Manaus, Guarani, IAC-3S and Campinas varieties respectively. Campinas was statistically different from Manaus. The results suggest that a improvement, program is necessary before the castor bean can be recommended for cultivation in the Amazon region.