DPL 62 (Sheri)
A bold-seeded lentil long grown in the Central Zone for the large-grain dal market, combining rust and wilt resistance with attractive seed size on the black soils of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Quick facts
- Crop
- Lentil (Masoor)
- Type
- Open-pollinated
- Season
- Rabi
- Maturity period
- 125–135 days
- Seed rate
- Being a bold-seeded type, 45–60 kg/ha (18–24 kg/acre) for line sowing
- Expected yield
- High — around 14–16 q/ha under managed conditions, with a bold seed that fetches a premium
- Suitable soil
- Black soil and well-drained loam; grown mainly in the Central Zone
- Release
- A bold-seeded Central Zone lentil released as DPL 62 / Sheri
About this variety
DPL 62, also known as Sheri, is a bold-seeded lentil grown mainly in the Central Zone — Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. It is valued for its large, attractive seed, which fetches a premium over the small eastern masoor types in the bold-grain dal market, and it is listed as resistant to both rust and wilt. It matures in roughly 125–135 days and does well on the black soils of central India, provided drainage is sound. Because a bold-seeded lentil needs more seed weight for the same plant population, DPL 62 is sown at a higher seed rate than a small-seeded variety, and its larger grain is a little more prone to splitting, so it should be threshed gently.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Sowing timeMid-October to mid-November in the Central Zone
- Seed rateBeing a bold-seeded type, 45–60 kg/ha (18–24 kg/acre) for line sowing
- FertilizerAbout 15–20 kg N and 40–50 kg P2O5 per hectare basal, plus 20 kg S on light soils; no nitrogen top-dressing. Rhizobium and PSB seed inoculation
- HarvestingHarvest at about 125–135 days when plants yellow and lower pods dry brown; thresh the bold seed gently to avoid splitting, which lowers grade.
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
125–135 days
Expected yield
High — around 14–16 q/ha under managed conditions, with a bold seed that fetches a premium
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- A bold, attractive seed that fetches a premium over small-seeded masoor in the dal market
- Carries resistance to both rust and wilt
- Well adapted to the black soils of the Central Zone
Things to consider
- A bold-seeded type needs a higher seed rate (45–60 kg/ha), which raises the seed cost per hectare
- The larger grain splits more easily during threshing — handle gently to protect the premium grade
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh
- Haryana
Frequently asked questions
Why choose DPL 62 over a small-seeded lentil?
For the bold-grain dal market: DPL 62 (Sheri) has a large, attractive seed that fetches a premium over small masoor, while still carrying rust and wilt resistance. The trade-off is a higher seed rate and more careful threshing.
How much seed does DPL 62 need per acre?
About 18–24 kg per acre (45–60 kg/ha) — more than a small-seeded masoor, because the same plant population weighs more in larger seed.
Sourced from: ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur — lentil varieties and package of practices, Directorate of Pulses Development — Central released varieties of Lentil (Masoor). editorial policy.