KNM 1638 (Kunaram Vari 2)
KNM 1638, released in 2021 as Kunaram Vari 2 by Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, is a medium-slender early-duration rice variety bred at the Agricultural Research Station, Kunaram. It is derived from a JGL 11727 x JGL 17004 cross and is positioned as an alternate to Bpt 5204.
Key characteristics
- Marketing name: Kunaram Vari 2
- Released by: ARS Kunaram, PJTSAU, 2021
- Duration: 120-125 days, photoperiod-insensitive
- Pedigree: JGL 11727 x JGL 17004
- Yield potential: ~7.36 t/ha
- Grain quality: 63% head-rice recovery, 21.5% amylose, medium-slender
- Resistance: gall midge (Gall Midge Paddy) and leaf blast resistance; moderate neck blast (Paddy Blast Disease) resistance
Cultivation
The variety fits transplanted (Transplanting Paddy) kharif and rabi paddy systems across Telangana. Its photoperiod insensitivity allows planting across a wider window than older photoperiod-sensitive Samba Mahsuri-type lines. The early duration shortens the season by 15-25 days relative to BPT 5204, supporting double-cropping.
Pest and disease profile
KNM 1638 carries strong gall midge resistance - a defining feature of the Kunaram line - combined with leaf blast resistance and moderate neck blast tolerance. This profile makes it well suited to endemic gall-midge tracts where older fine-grain varieties suffer heavy tiller loss.
Adoption and use
The variety is part of PJTSAU's Telangana rice-minikit programme, distributed alongside Jgl 28545 and RNR 29325, and is promoted at PJTSAU KVKs across the state. It joins Knm 118 Kunaram Sannalu in the Kunaram station's portfolio of short to medium-duration fine-grain releases.
Related entries
See also: Knm 118 Kunaram Sannalu, Jgl 24423, Jgl 28545, Bpt 5204, Gall Midge Paddy, Paddy Blast Disease.
References
- KNM 1638 - A High Yielding Gall Midge Resistant Early Duration PJTSAU Rice Variety. PP House (PJTSAU).