Gujarat Isabgol-1 (GI-1)
India's first dedicated isabgol release, from Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat — still grown as an older standard variety alongside newer downy-mildew-tolerant releases.
Quick facts
- Type
- Open-pollinated
- Season
- Rabi
- Maturity period
- 110–115 days
- Seed rate
- 4–5 kg/ha, mixed with sand or fine soil for even broadcasting
- Expected yield
- 800–900 kg/ha
- Suitable soil
- Light, well-drained sandy loam
- Release
- Released 1976 · Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Gujarat
About this variety
Gujarat Isabgol-1 (GI-1) was released in 1976 by Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, selected from introduced material — India's first dedicated named isabgol variety. It carries a dark-green leaf and a medium-sized flowering spike of about 4.0–4.5 cm, and yields around 800–900 kg/ha of seed under normal cultivation. As one of the oldest named releases still in use, it has been a standard check variety in later disease-tolerance trials, where it and its sister release GI-2 have generally shown weaker downy mildew tolerance than the more recent RI- and Vallabh-series releases bred specifically for that trait. It remains a familiar, easily available option in Gujarat and Rajasthan, though a grower in an area with a history of downy mildew is better served by a newer, tolerance-bred variety where seed is available.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Sowing timeFirst half of November for best yield
- Seed rate4–5 kg/ha, mixed with sand or fine soil for even broadcasting
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
110–115 days
Expected yield
800–900 kg/ha
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major diseases
- Not separately documented in available sources
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Long track record and widely available seed across Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- A familiar, easily sourced option where a newer named variety is not locally available.
Things to consider
- Weaker downy mildew tolerance than the newer RI-1 and Vallabh Isabgol releases — a real consideration in areas with a history of the disease.
- Duration and disease-resistance figures beyond the general downy-mildew comparison are not separately documented in available sources.
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
Sourced from: Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Gujarat. editorial policy.
