IISR Vijetha
Selected in the field for resistance to Katte disease and recommended for moderate-rainfall areas under moderate-to-high mosaic pressure.
Quick facts
- Type
- Rhizome/sucker planting material (Malabar type)
- Season
- All seasons
- Maturity period
- First bearing in 2–3 years
- Expected yield
- High under good management
- Suitable soil
- Loam
- Release
- Released 2001 · ICAR-IISR, Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala, Karnataka
About this variety
IISR Vijetha is a Malabar-type selection released in 2001 from ICAR-IISR's Cardamom Research Centre at Appangala, Karnataka — the release most directly relevant to growers in areas with a history of Katte (Cardamom mosaic virus) pressure. It was selected in the field from plants that showed resistance to Katte under natural disease exposure, rather than bred through a controlled cross, and is specifically recommended for moderate-rainfall areas experiencing moderate-to-high mosaic pressure, principally Kodagu, north Wayanad, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru. As with cardamom breeding generally, "resistance" here is field-level tolerance under pressure, not documented total immunity, so it is recommended alongside — not instead of — certified planting material and prompt roguing of any symptomatic clump.
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 only named cardamom release specifically selected for field resistance to Katte disease, the crop's most economically damaging virus.
- Field-selected under real, natural disease pressure rather than only glasshouse-screened, which is more directly relevant to real orchard conditions.
Things to consider
- "Field resistance" means better tolerance under pressure, not documented total immunity — still pair with certified planting material and prompt roguing of any symptomatic clump.
- Its resistance is specific to Katte; it carries no documented special resistance to Azhukal (capsule rot) or rhizome rot, both of which still need their own management.
Suitable regions
Released 2001 from ICAR-IISR's Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala — recommended for moderate-rainfall areas under moderate-to-high Katte (mosaic) pressure, specifically Kodagu, north Wayanad, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru.
- Karnataka
Frequently asked questions
Is IISR Vijetha completely immune to Katte disease?
No — it has documented field resistance under moderate-to-high mosaic pressure, which is a meaningfully better tolerance than most cardamom, but not a documented total immunity. Still source certified planting material and rogue any symptomatic clump promptly.
Sourced from: IISR-Vijetha - 1 (Small Cardamom) — ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Cardamom Varieties — ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research. editorial policy.