ICPL 87119 (Asha)
A medium-duration Asha variety from ICRISAT, valued for combined resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease and continued cultivation in central and southern India.
Quick facts
- Crop
- Arhar (Tur)
- Type
- Medium-duration pigeonpea variety
- Season
- Kharif
- Maturity period
- About 160–200 days
- Seed rate
- About 8–10 kg/ha for sole cropping; lower rates are used in suitable intercropping systems depending on the crop combination and planting geometry
- Expected yield
- 18–25 q/ha, depending on zone and management
- Suitable soil
- Well-drained medium to deep soils; avoid prolonged waterlogging
- Release
- Released in 1993 for the Central and Southern Zones · Bred by ICRISAT
About this variety
ICPL 87119, popularly known as Asha, was bred by ICRISAT and released in India in 1993 for the Central and Southern Zones. It was developed from a cross involving C11 and a breeding line and became an important pigeonpea variety because it combined resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease in a medium-duration, indeterminate plant type. ICRISAT trial results reported yields of about 1.51 t/ha in the Central Zone and 1.54 t/ha in the Southern Zone. The variety has continued to be used in Indian production and breeding programmes and remains listed by the Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Sowing timeGenerally sown with the onset of the monsoon, commonly June to July in Kharif pigeonpea areas; exact sowing date should follow local rainfall and regional recommendations
- Seed rateAbout 8–10 kg/ha for sole cropping; lower rates are used in suitable intercropping systems depending on the crop combination and planting geometry
- SpacingSpacing varies with production system; around 90–120 cm between rows with about 20–30 cm between plants is used in many medium- to long-duration systems
- Sowing methodLine sowing or dibbling is preferred so that the relatively long-duration, branching plants have adequate space; it can also be used in suitable intercropping systems
- IrrigationPrimarily grown as a rainfed Kharif crop. Where irrigation is available, provide water according to rainfall, soil moisture and crop stage rather than following a fixed variety-specific schedule.
- FertilizerUse the locally recommended pigeonpea nutrient package; avoid treating a general fertilizer recommendation as a variety-specific requirement. Rhizobium/appropriate biofertilizer inoculation can be used where recommended locally.
- HarvestingUsually matures in roughly 160–200 days depending on zone, sowing date and growing conditions. Harvest when most pods have matured and turned brown, then dry the harvested plants properly before threshing.
Soil & climate
Soil
- Suitable soil
- Performs in medium to deep, well-drained soils. Good drainage is important because prolonged waterlogging can restrict root development.
- Irrigation
- Avoid prolonged standing water, particularly during early crop establishment and periods of heavy rainfall.
Climate
- Climate
- A Kharif, medium-duration pigeonpea adapted to central and southern Indian production zones. Its maturity can vary considerably with sowing date, temperature, rainfall and local environment.
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
About 160–200 days
Expected yield
18–25 q/ha, depending on zone and management
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major diseases
- Fusarium wilt — resistant; this resistance is one of the defining strengths of Asha.
- Sterility mosaic disease — resistant under the disease-screening conditions reported for the variety and a major reason for its importance in pigeonpea production and breeding.
- Resistance does not eliminate all crop-protection risks; monitor the crop for other diseases and insect pests according to local conditions.
Management notes
- Use healthy, quality seed from a reliable source and follow local seed-treatment recommendations before sowing.
- Maintain good field drainage and avoid prolonged waterlogging during heavy monsoon periods.
- Monitor the crop for pod borer, pod fly and other locally important pigeonpea pests even though Asha has important disease resistance.
- Where the crop is grown in an area with a history of sterility mosaic or Fusarium wilt, its resistance can be an important varietal advantage, but field monitoring should still continue.
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Combines resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease, two major diseases of pigeonpea.
- A well-established ICRISAT variety with long-term cultivation and research experience in India.
- Adapted to Central and Southern Zone pigeonpea production and still listed by Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation.
- Bold, dark-brown seed and an indeterminate, branching plant type are characteristic features reported for the variety.
Things to consider
- This is a medium- to long-duration pigeonpea variety; maturity can extend toward 180–200 days under some conditions, so it is not suitable where an early harvest is essential.
- Yield varies substantially by environment and management. Historical Central and Southern Zone trials reported about 1.51–1.54 t/ha, while current state seed listings quote higher potential ranges.
- Its strongest varietal advantage is disease resistance, not necessarily the shortest duration or highest yield available from newer pigeonpea varieties.
- Choose the variety according to the current recommendation for the local district, especially where newer wilt- and sterility-mosaic-resistant varieties are available.
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Odisha
- Tamil Nadu
Frequently asked questions
What is ICPL 87119 (Asha)?
ICPL 87119, commonly called Asha, is a medium-duration pigeonpea variety developed by ICRISAT and released in India in 1993 for the Central and Southern Zones.
How many days does Asha pigeonpea take to mature?
Roughly 160–200 days, depending on sowing date, location and growing conditions.
What is the yield potential of ICPL 87119?
Current state seed listings report about 18–25 q/ha, while historical ICRISAT trials reported around 1.51–1.54 t/ha in the Central and Southern Zones.
Is Asha resistant to Fusarium wilt?
Yes. ICPL 87119 was developed with resistance to Fusarium wilt, one of its main strengths.
Is Asha resistant to sterility mosaic disease?
Yes. Resistance to sterility mosaic disease is another defining characteristic of ICPL 87119.
Where is ICPL 87119 suitable?
It was released for the Central and Southern Zones and has been used across states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Tamil Nadu, subject to local recommendations.
Sourced from: ICRISAT — Pigeonpea Variety ICPL 87119, Plant Material Description No. 43 (1993), ICRISAT — Crop Improvement flyer, identifying Asha (ICPL 87119) as the first wilt and sterility mosaic resistant pigeonpea variety, Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation (Mahabeej) — current variety listing for ICPL-87119 (Asha), Directorate of Pulses Development — pigeonpea variety/release information, ANGRAU — Asha (ICPL 87119) variety information. editorial policy.