IISR Avinash
Bred specifically for rhizome-rot resistance (designated RR-1) through clonal selection at ICAR-IISR Appangala.
Quick facts
- Type
- Rhizome/sucker planting material (clonal selection)
- Season
- All seasons
- Maturity period
- First bearing in 2–3 years
- Expected yield
- High under good management
- Suitable soil
- Loam
- Release
- ICAR-IISR, Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala, Karnataka; designated RR-1
About this variety
IISR Avinash, designated RR-1 in breeding records, was released by ICAR-IISR's Cardamom Research Centre at Appangala, Karnataka, through clonal selection specifically targeted at rhizome-rot resistance — one of two named ICAR/ICRI cardamom releases (alongside IISR Vijetha for Katte) bred against a single defining disease rather than for yield alone. Published variety literature, including a dedicated research note on the release, describes it as a rhizome-rot resistant, high-yielding selection, positioning it as the recommended choice for fields with a documented history of the disease rather than a general-purpose replacement for other releases.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Spacing2 to 2.5 m depending on planting density
- FertilizerA balanced NPK dose while young, moving to a higher, monsoon-split dose once bearing (see the crop guide for the full schedule)
Soil & climate
Soil
- Suitable soil
- Deep forest loam under shade, pH 5.5–6.5
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
First bearing in 2–3 years
Expected yield
High under good management
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- The specific, bred-in trait it is named for — rhizome-rot resistance — addresses a disease that has no equally targeted alternative release.
- A clonal selection, so planting material multiplied from a certified mother clump reliably carries the same trait.
Things to consider
- Rhizome-rot resistance does not extend to Azhukal (capsule rot) or Katte disease — both still need their own standard management even on this release.
- Best targeted at fields with a documented history of rhizome rot rather than used as a blanket replacement for other cardamom releases.
Suitable regions
Developed at ICAR-IISR's Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala, Karnataka, through clonal selection — recommended for fields with a history of rhizome rot across the wider cardamom belt, not exclusively Karnataka.
- Karnataka
Frequently asked questions
Should I plant IISR Avinash if my field has no history of rhizome rot?
You can, since it is also reported as high-yielding, but its specific bred advantage is rhizome-rot resistance — if your field's bigger concern is Katte disease instead, IISR Vijetha is the release specifically selected for that.
Sourced from: IISR Avinash – a rhizome rot resistant and high yielding variety of cardamom — ResearchGate, Cardamom Varieties — ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research. editorial policy.