Horticultural Research Station, Pechiparai

1. Establishment

Pineapple nursery, Dept. of Horticulture, Govt. of Tamil Nadu was established  in 1989 as Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural    University with an area of  8.3 ha.  In 1992  an area of 8.0 ha was annexed with the main block. A new 'A' Block was established on the main road with 4.4 ha. During  1999  Agro Meteorological Advisory Services Unit (AAS) established.    In  2004 Venture Capital Scheme  -  I  with the title of production of clonal planting  m aterials of  black pepper,  Tree spices and cashew  was established. Venture Capital Scheme – II Commercial production of   vermicompost was established in 2005.   In 2008   HRS, Pechiparai was upgraded as co- opting centre to work in spices under  AICRP from Voluntary centre.  In 2008  Institute of Agriculture has been started. In 2009 NAIP scheme on "Understanding the mechanism of off-season flowering and fruiting in mango under different environmental conditions" was started. In 2010  BARC Scheme on ‘Isolation and characterization  of mutant with altered   starch composition for augmenting industrial value of tapioca’ was started.

2. Mandate

1. Selection and evaluation of desirable high yielding tree spices, off season Mango varieties, Pineapple varieties suitable for table and canning purposes and vegetables like Tapioca, Cucurbits, leguminous vegetables and medicinal plants for this tract.
2. Standardization of management techniques to improve yield and quality of Mango, Banana, Pineapple, Jack, Tree spices, Pepper and vegetables.
3. Standardization of optimum nutrient requirements in horticultural crops like Pineapple, Banana, Tapioca, Pepper and Clove.
4. Developing Agro-forestry system in this region by evaluating the existing practices and their impact on the socio-economic conditions of this region.
5. Development of Integrated pest and disease management in Banana, Mango, Pineapple, Jack, Tree spices, Pepper and vegetables.
6. To establish a medium range weather forecasting system.
7. Training local farmers, tribals and Dept. officials by organising T & V Zonal Workshops, Seminars, Field days etc.

3.Activities

D) Achievements

Varieties Released

Jack -  PPI-1 Year of Release - 1996. High yielder - 1818 kg/tree (107 fruits). Bearing twice annually. Main season (April - June). Off season (November - December). Carpels Crisp and  creamy yellow colour. Sweet and tastier with pleasant aroma. Tree medium tall. Suitable for commercial planting and home gardens.

Brinjal - PPI(B)1 Year of release - 2001. A selection from Karungal local. Suitable for both irrigated and rainfed conditions. Solitary bearing with an average of 30 - 35 fruits per plant. Excellent cooking quality without bitterness and minimum seeds. Moderately resistant to shoot, fruit borer and wilt. Yield 45 - 50 t/ha.

Cinnamon - PPI(C)1 Year of release - 2002. A selection from open pollinated clones maintained at Horticultural Research Station, Pechiparai. This accession grows to a height of 6.0 m. Yields about 980 kg of bark on coppicing (25 % more than the local variety). Possesses a high oil recovery of 3.3 % in the leaf and 2.9 % in the bark. Has a good regeneration capacity and suitable for coppicing at an interval of 18-24 months. Suitable for high rainfall regions and lower elevations ranging from 100-500 m.

b) Varieties under Pipeline

Kudampuli (Gc.9)

Accession Gc.9 was submitted to the University Variety Release Committee for release as PPI(K)1 Kudampuli.

c) Promising cultures under evaluation

1. Mundan Jack (Solo Jack)
2. Dia-Papaya
3. Purple round brinjal

Contact:

Horticultural Research Station,
Pechiparai - 629 161.
Kanyakumari District.
Phone : (04651) 281192, 281191
E-mail  : hrsppi@tnau.ac.in