Improved cashew for Kerala

By Our Agriculture Correspondent

TWO HIGH - yielding and early flowering cashew varieties have been released for commercial cultivation by the growers by the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) recently.

These varieties, with short flowering phase, yields bold nuts, according to researchers.

Developed at the Cashew Research Station of KAU at Madakkathara the two varieties, named "Priyanka" and "Amrutha" have become popular among growers.

Of the two, Priyanka is a hybrid derivative of a cross between BLA-139-1 and K-30-1. This variety is of spreading type, and it flowers in December- January. It produces yellowish red apples, which are astringent.

The jumbo nuts, weighing on an average 10.8 g each, are of export quality (grade W.180). It has a high yield potential of 29 kg nuts per tree per year, and its average yield is 17.03 kg per tree in a year.A plant density of 178 trees is recommended per hectare, and this variety responds well to nutrient management. A nutrient dose of 750 g of nitrogen, 325 g phosphorus and 750 g potash per tree per year should be applied to get good results.

Liberal quantities of organic manures should be added to improve the growth and vigour of the trees. The trees can reach up to a height of 8.1 metres, and branches extensively.

The flowering duration is two months. With reference to reaction to major diseases, it is on par with other released varieties. The hybrid is propagated through soft wood grafts.

The other variety, "Amrutha" is a hybrid derivative of a cross between BLA-139-1 and H-3-13. This is of spreading type, and it also flowers in December-January.

It produces yellow apples, which are astringent. It yields bold nuts, which weigh on an average 7.18 g each, which fall under export grade W.210. The nuts have a high shelling percentage, according to the breeders.

It has a high yield potential of 30.1 kg per tree per year, and its average yield is 18.35 kg per tree in a year."Amrutha" is relatively free from major diseases, and the insect pests can be managed by using appropriate botanical pesticides. About 178 trees will be required to cover a hectare. It responds well to sound nutrient management. Liberal application of organic manures along with 750 g of nitrogen and potash and 325 g of phosphorus will prove to be rewarding.

This mid-season variety produces attractive yellow apples weighing an average 40.5 g each, and the juicy apples are astringent. This hybrid is also propagated vegetatively through soft wood grafting, according to the scientists.

Cashew cultivation is gaining momentum, especially in the sandy coastal belts. The hardy trees are ideal for arresting wind erosion in the coastal areas, and it helps to stabilize dunes.

With proper management and care the trees can be made to yield well, and there is a ready market good quality cashew nuts both within the country and abroad. These promising varieties yielding jumbo and bold nuts will go a long way in boosting export- oriented cashew plantation in a big way, according to cashew experts.

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