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RHRS Lam Farm Releases New Chilli Varieties LCA-625 and LCA-643

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On 16 June 2026, the Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS) at Lam Farm, Guntur, introduced two new chilli varieties named LCA-625 and LCA-643. These varieties serve as alternatives to the commonly cultivated Teja and Byadgi chillies in India. LCA-625 is tailored for dry chilli production with a pungency ranging from 45,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and a red color intensity between 60-65 ASTA units. LCA-643 is versatile for both green and dry chilli cultivation, exhibiting resistance to Gemini virus and Thrips infestation; dried pods resemble the Byadgi variety. Foundation seeds were made available at ₹1,200/kg from Lam Farm with purchase limits due to limited stock.

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Key Facts

  • Release Date: 16 June 2026
  • Institution: Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Lam Farm, Guntur
  • Varieties Released: LCA-625 (primarily for dry chilli), LCA-643 (suitable for green and dry chilli)
  • LCA-625 Characteristics: Pungency 45,000-50,000 SHU; red color 60-65 ASTA units; slender medium-length pods (8-10 cm) resembling Teja variety; thin skin; some resistance to fruit rot and low flower drop; plants tall with strong branches and dense foliage; suitable for direct sowing.
  • LCA-643 Characteristics: Long pods (13-14 cm), light green turning bright red on drying with slight wrinkling, resembling Byadgi chilli; moderate resistance to Gemini virus and leaf curl disease; performs well under black thrips infestation and Helicoverpa (Spodoptera) pressure.
  • Seed Sale Details: Started on 16 June 2026 at Lam Farm, price ₹1,200/kg, purchase restricted to 250 grams per farmer due to limited availability; available only at Lam Farm.
  • Measurement Units: Scoville Heat Units (SHU) quantify capsaicin-based pungency; ASTA units assess red color intensity in dried chillies.
  • Contextual Importance: India is a major chilli producer and exporter; Andhra Pradesh is a leading chilli-growing state. Traditional varieties like Teja and Byadgi are widely used but face challenges from pests and diseases such as Black thrips and Gemini virus.

Background & Context

Chilli (Capsicum genus) is a vital spice crop in India, with significant production and export volumes. The Guntur region in Andhra Pradesh is prominent in chilli cultivation. Existing popular varieties include Teja and Byadgi, known respectively for pungency and deep red color. However, challenges like pest infestation from black thrips and viral diseases such as Gemini virus impact yields and quality.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

For agricultural or horticultural studies, understanding the release and characteristics of new crop varieties is crucial. Concepts such as SHU and ASTA units highlight how scientific metrics are applied in agricultural produce quality assessment. The pests and diseases mentioned are key factors in crop management studies. Knowledge of seed pricing, availability, and distribution also ties into agribusiness and rural economy topics.

Points to Remember

  • LCA-625 is a dry chilli variety with 45,000–50,000 SHU pungency and 60–65 ASTA color unit rating.
  • LCA-643 is suitable for green and dry chilli cultivation, showing moderate resistance to Gemini virus and thrips; dried pods resemble Byadgi chilli.
  • Foundation seeds of these varieties were sold starting 16 June 2026 at Lam Farm, priced at ₹1,200 per kg with purchase limits.
  • Scoville Heat Units (SHU) measure capsaicin content/pungency; ASTA units measure red color intensity crucial for spice assessment.
  • Black thrips and Gemini virus are major constraints in Indian chilli cultivation.
  • Traditional popular varieties include Teja (noted for pungency) and Byadgi (noted for deep red color).
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