Shekhar (KL-223)
A high-yielding variety from CSAUAT, Kanpur, widely grown in Uttar Pradesh — including in black-gram–linseed and rice-fallow systems — and moderately resistant to rust and Alternaria blight.
Quick facts
- Type
- Open-pollinated
- Season
- Rabi
- Maturity period
- 130–140 days
- Seed rate
- 25–30 kg/ha (10–12 kg/acre) for line sowing; 35–40 kg/ha for broadcast and rice-fallow sowing
- Expected yield
- High for Uttar Pradesh conditions — around 12–16 q/ha managed; seed oil about 40–42%
- Suitable soil
- Clay / black soil
- Release
- Released by CSAUAT, Kanpur (breeding number KL-223); grown widely in Uttar Pradesh
About this variety
Shekhar, with the breeding number KL-223, is a linseed variety from Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (CSAUAT), Kanpur, grown widely across Uttar Pradesh. It matures in roughly 130–140 days and is documented as moderately resistant to rust (Melampsora lini) and to Alternaria blight. It performs in both sole-crop and sequence systems — it has been reported as a promising variety in the black-gram–linseed cropping system of central Uttar Pradesh — and is used in rice-fallow situations as well. Its seed oil content sits in the usual Indian range of about 40–42%. As a higher-yielding release than the old T-397 check, Shekhar is a reasonable choice for Uttar Pradesh growers who can give the crop a basal nutrient dose and, where available, one or two irrigations.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Sowing timeMid-October to mid-November as a line crop; earlier sowing reduces exposure to rust and bud fly
- Seed rate25–30 kg/ha (10–12 kg/acre) for line sowing; 35–40 kg/ha for broadcast and rice-fallow sowing
- FertilizerRainfed: about 30–40 kg N and 20 kg P2O5 per hectare, all basal. Irrigated: up to 60:40:20 kg N:P:K/ha, half the N basal and half at branching with the first irrigation
- HarvestingHarvest at about 130–140 days when the capsules are brown, dry and rattle but before they split; cure in a stack, then thresh gently.
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
130–140 days
Expected yield
High for Uttar Pradesh conditions — around 12–16 q/ha managed; seed oil about 40–42%
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major diseases
- Rust (Melampsora lini) — Shekhar is documented as moderately resistant
- Alternaria blight — Shekhar is documented as moderately resistant
- Linseed wilt and powdery mildew — treat as a general risk; use seed treatment and early sowing, and rotate on wilt-sick land
- Bud fly (Dasyneura lini) — needs a flowering-stage spray programme regardless of variety
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Higher yielding than the old T-397 check, with moderate resistance to rust and Alternaria blight
- Works in sole-crop, sequence and rice-fallow systems across Uttar Pradesh
Things to consider
- Its rust and Alternaria resistance is "moderate", not full — early sowing and, if needed, a protective fungicide still matter
- Its recommendation is centred on Uttar Pradesh; in Madhya Pradesh the JLS series is the more established choice
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- Uttar Pradesh
Frequently asked questions
Is Shekhar the same as KL-223?
Yes — Shekhar is the release name and KL-223 is its breeding number. It is a linseed variety from CSAUAT, Kanpur, grown widely in Uttar Pradesh.
Is Shekhar suitable for rice-fallow (utera) sowing?
Yes — it is used in rice-fallow and sequence systems in Uttar Pradesh, including the black-gram–linseed rotation. For a relay crop, broadcast it a little thicker into the standing near-mature paddy.
Sourced from: ICAR — AICRP on Linseed (varieties released), CSA University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. editorial policy.