Eleven high-yielding, early-maturing and disease-pest resistant crop varieties developed by scientists of Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) after years of continued experimentations following different breeding techniques and protocols have been released by the Jharkhand Government. These varieties include one each of black gram, pigeon pea, soybean, mustard, baby corn, ragi, two of brinjal and three of linseed. These varieties have yield advantage of 15 to 20 percent over the existing varieties.
Addressing media persons on Wednesday (August 11), BAU Vice Chancellor Dr Onkar Nath Singh and Director Research Dr A Wadood said these varieties would go a long way in increasing area, production and productivity pulses, oilseeds and vegetable because quality seed plays major role in augmenting productivity. BAU crop breeders, directorate of seed and farms, Zonal Research Stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and seed villages of the state would join hands in seed production of these crops for extending its availability to farmers soon. Vice Chancellor Dr Singh has congratulated the scientists and supporting staff involved in the varietal development process for their achievement.
Major features of these varieties are:
Birsa Urd-2: The major characteristics of this black gram variety are profuse branching, hairy long pod size with 6-7 large brown seeds / pod. The variety is resistant to Cercospora leaf spot and root rot with least infestation of aphid. Average yield potential is 12 q/ha and matures in around 82 days. Breeder; Dr CS Mahto.
Birsa Arhar-2: This variety of pigeon pea has elongated (oval) and brown colored seed with 22.48% protein content. It is resistant to wilt and tolerant to borer. Average yield potential is 27.5 q/ha and matures in 235-240 days. Breeder: Dr Niraj Kumar.
Birsa Soybean-3: This variety has oval, light yellow seed, with oil 19% and protein 38.8%. It is tolerant to Rhizoctonia aerial blight, Frog eye leaf spot and Cercospora leaf spot diseases. Least or no attack of Bihar Hairy Caterpillar (BHC) due to hairy stem and pods has been reported. Average yield potential is 27.5 q/ha and matures in around 115-120 days. Average plant height is 60-65 cm. Breeder: Dr Nutan Verma.
Birsa Bhabha Mustard-1: Developed in association with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, this variety has bold seed with 40% oil content. It is drought tolerant, moderately resistant to Alternaria blight, white Rust & Aphid. Average yield potential is 14.9 q/ha and matures in around 112-120 days. Breeder: Dr Arun Kumar.
Birsa Tisi -: This linseed variety has 34.6% oil content. It is highly resistant to rust and Alternaria blight and moderately resistant to wilt and bud fly. Average yield is 11.4 q/ha and potential yield is up to 17.12 q/ha. This oilseed crop matures in around 128-130 days. Breeder: Dr Sohan Ram.
Divya: This linseed variety has 39.81% oil content with 60% Omega-3 fatty acid very beneficial for heart. It is resistant to multiple diseases & pests. Average yield is 15.4 q/ha and potential yield is 21.15 q/ha. It matures in around 127-130 days. Average plant height is 45-65 cm. This variety is very suitable for irrigated condition of Jharkhand in Rabi season. This variety is already notified and released by Central Variety Release Committee of Ministry of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India in the year 2016. Breeder: Dr Sohan Ram.
Priyam: It has 37% oil content with 53% Omega-3. It is resistant to wilt, Alternaria blight, Powdery mildew, rust and highly resistant to Bud Fly. Average yield is 12.5 q/ha and potential yield is 20 q/ha. Crop matures in around 128-130 days. This variety is very suitable for rainfed ecology even in moderately fertile soils of Jharkhand in Rabi season. This variety is already notified and released by CVRC of Govt. of India in 2017. Breeder: Dr Sohan Ram.
Birsa Baby Corn-1: This variety was developed through participatory plant breeding using composite breeding. It has creamy & translucent ovule with straight alignment. This extra early maturing maize variety is moderately resistant to Maydis & Tacrcicum leaf blight. Baby corn harvesting starts at 48th day and continues till 65th day with 3 pickings. Average yield potential is 16.7 q/ha and matures in around 50-65 days. This variety has been found very suitable for upland soil having good drainage facility for rainy season. Breeder: Dr Manigopa Chakraborty.
Birsa Marua-3: This ragi variety has round and yellowish brown seed. Moderately resistant to Neck & Finger Blast and is tolerant to moisture stress. Average yield potential is 28.5 q/ha and matures in around 110-112 days. Average plant height is 109-114 cm. Breeder: Dr ZA Haider.
Birsa Chianki Baigan-1: Fruits of this brinjal variety are egg shaped and purple in color. The variety is resistant to Bacterial wilt and tolerant to shoot & fruit borer. Average yield potential is 400 q/ha and matures in around 110 days. Average plant height is 90-110 cm. This variety is very suitable for upland soil rich in organic matter content under irrigated condition of Jharkhand in Rabi season. Breeder: Dr Abdul Majid Ansari.
Birsa Chianki Baigan-2: The fruits are oblong in shape and purple in color. It is resistant to Bacterial Wilt and tolerant to Shoot & Fruit borer. Average yield potential is 375 q/ha and matures in around 120 days. Average plant height is 95-115 cm. This variety is very suitable for uplands rich in organic matter content under irrigated condition of Jharkhand in Rabi season. Breeder: Dr Abdul Majid Ansari.
These varieties were released by State Varietal Release Committee headed by Secretary Agriculture Abubakar Siddique P on Tuesday (August 10) evening after thorough discussion and compliance of queries. Others expert members present in the meeting included BAU Vice Chancellor Dr ON Singh, Director Research Dr A Wadood, Director Seed Dr Rishipal Singh, Dr Bhawna from ICAR Institute Plandu, DR SB Chaudhary from NBPGR, Dr NP Mandal from Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station, Hazaribag, Director Sameti Subhash Singh, Surendra Kumar from Jharkhand State Seed Certification Agency, Anjani Kumar from Seed Testing Laboratory of Jharkhand Government and breeders involved in development of varieties.
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