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ICPL 87119 (Asha) redgram Photo: EqualStock IN · Pexels License · source ↗

ICPL 87119 (Asha) redgram

ICPL 87119, popularly known as Asha, is a medium-duration pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) variety bred by ICRISAT, Patancheru and notified for release in India in 1993. It combines high yield potential with resistance to fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease (SMD) — the two main biotic constraints to pigeonpea in peninsular India.

Key features

  • Breeder: ICRISAT, Patancheru (Hyderabad)
  • Notified: 1993 (release as Asha)
  • Duration: 180-190 days (medium maturity)
  • Yield potential: 1500-2000 kg/ha under rainfed conditions; 2500 kg/ha with one protective irrigation
  • Grain: medium-bold, brown seed coat; 100-seed weight ~10 g
  • Resistance: combined resistance to fusarium wilt (Fusarium udum) and sterility mosaic disease (eriophyid-mite-transmitted)
  • Plant type: determinate, semi-spreading

Cultivation zones

Asha is recommended for the Central Zone and South Zone of India by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pigeonpea (AICRP-Pigeonpea, ICAR-IIPR Kanpur). It performs well in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh as a kharif crop sown in June-July on light-to-medium soils with assured drainage. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana it is grown rainfed in Mahabubnagar, Vikarabad, Anantapur and Nalgonda belts, often as a sole crop or as the long-duration component of pigeonpea + groundnut / pigeonpea + sorghum intercrops.

Pests and diseases

The wilt + SMD resistance package is Asha's main commercial advantage. It does not offer resistance to the pod-borer complex (Helicoverpa armigera, Maruca vitrata) or to pod fly (Melanagromyza obtusa), which still need scouting and need-based sprays. Phytophthora blight can show up in waterlogged patches.

Usage and adoption

Asha was the first wilt + SMD double-resistant pigeonpea in India and held a large share of medium-duration pigeonpea area in central and south India through the 1990s and 2000s. Even after release of newer cultivars (BSMR 853, BDN 711, TS-3R) it remains a benchmark check entry in AICRP trials and a popular farmer choice where wilt-sick fields are common.

See also: Gram Pod Borer in Pulses, Bengalgram Crop, Greengram Crop, Blackgram Crop.

Sources

  1. ICPL 87119 (Asha) - ICRISAT Pigeonpea Improvement. ICRISAT.
  2. AICRP-Pigeonpea varieties - ICAR-IIPR Kanpur. ICAR-IIPR.