Ajmer Ajwain-2 (AA-2)
Developed at ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer through selection for earliness — the more mildew-tolerant of the two Ajmer national-check releases, for both irrigated and rainfed fields.
Quick facts
- Type
- Open-pollinated
- Season
- Rabi
- Maturity period
- ~147 days
- Seed rate
- 1.5–2.5 kg/ha for drilling
- Expected yield
- 12.83 q/ha irrigated, 5.2 q/ha rainfed
- Suitable soil
- Loam
- Release
- Released 2004 · ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer
About this variety
Ajmer Ajwain-2 (AA-2) was developed at ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer through selection from local germplasm for earliness, and released in 2004 alongside AA-1. It matures in about 147 days — noticeably earlier than AA-1 — and is recommended for both irrigated and rainfed cultivation. Reported yield is around 12.83 q/ha under irrigation and 5.2 q/ha rainfed. AA-2 is additionally noted as powdery-mildew tolerant, making it a useful choice in tracts where the crop's one disease of real consequence is a known problem. Like AA-1, it serves as a national check that newer releases (such as Gujarat Ajwain-3) are benchmarked against.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Sowing timeOctober–November
- Seed rate1.5–2.5 kg/ha for drilling
- Spacing45 cm rows, 20–30 cm within the row
Soil & climate
Soil
- Suitable soil
- Well-drained loam or clay loam; avoid waterlogging-prone land
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
~147 days
Expected yield
12.83 q/ha irrigated, 5.2 q/ha rainfed
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major diseases
Management notes
- Sulphur dusting or a wettable-sulphur spray at flowering guards against any residual powdery mildew pressure even on this tolerant variety.
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Powdery mildew tolerance — a genuine edge over AA-1 in humid or mildew-prone tracts
- Earlier maturity (~147 days) than AA-1 (~165 days), freeing the field sooner
Things to consider
- Somewhat lower yield ceiling than AA-1 under both irrigated and rainfed conditions
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Madhya Pradesh
Frequently asked questions
Is AA-2 resistant to powdery mildew?
It is documented as powdery mildew tolerant, making it a useful choice in tracts where this — ajwain's one disease of real consequence — is a known problem. A sulphur spray at flowering is still worthwhile even on this variety.
How does AA-2 compare with AA-1?
AA-2 matures earlier (~147 vs ~165 days) and is powdery-mildew tolerant, but AA-1 has a somewhat higher yield ceiling under both irrigation and rainfed conditions.
Sourced from: ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer — released varieties. editorial policy.