Breeding of Fruit and Plantation Crops

Hybridization

• Hybridization programme in arecanut was initiated at Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) Regional Station, Vittal, with specific objective of evolving high-yielding and regular-bearing varieties, combining large-sized fruits with more number of nuts/bunch, /combining semi tall, early bearing and high yield of Mangala with quality of Sreevardhan, transferring more number of female flowers and high fruit setting percentage from A. triandra and studying the combining ability for exploitation of hybrid vigour.

• Intervarietal hybridization carried out among Mangala, Sumangala, Sree Mangala, Mohitnagar, Thirthahalli and Hirehalli Dwarf and evaluation of hybrid seedlings with respect to their performance did not result in selecting useful arecanut hybrids so far. Utilization of dwarf mutants seems to be encouraging. The attempts in the direction to establish plantation with short-statured palms are in progress. Hirehalli Dwarf x Sumangala cross is promising with respect to yield (2.65 kg chali/palm) and combining the dwarf stature.

Vittal Areca Hybrid- 1 (VTLAH-1)

• Hybrid between Hirehalli Dwarf x Sumangala.
• Dwarf type with reduced canopy and very sturdy stem.
• Super imposition of nodes on the stem gives mechanical support to palms.
• Partially drooping crown with well spread leaves.
• Moderate yielder but early stabilization in nut yield.
• Medium sized oval, yellow to orange nuts.
• Average yield (kg chali/palm/year)- 2.54.
• Recovery over fresh nut- 26.45 %.
• Specific recommendation for seed production- Artificial crossing is suggested between Hirehalli Dwarf and Sumangala for hybrid seed production. Only sprouts/seedlings will be supplied after sorting and selection in the nursery.
• Recommended regions/areas for cultivation- Coastal Karnataka and Kerala.
• Harvesting and spraying easy because of the dwarfing nature and lesser cost of cultivation.
• Sun scorching and wind damage is minimal due to dwarfing nature.