Cardamom variety · Released variety
ICRI-6
Also known as ICRI 6
Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara; MCC-73 collection) · Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) · 1990s
Outstanding for bold capsules and essential oil content. High response to dense planting. Notably higher yields than ICRI-1 and ICRI-2 under good management.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara; MCC-73 collection) |
| Breeder / source | Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) |
| Year released | 1990s |
| Parentage | Malabar type selection from MCC-73 germplasm |
| Yield | reported around 1,200 kg dry/ha under standard spacing; potential higher at dense planting |
| Tolerance | Moderate disease tolerance; suited to high-density planting |
| Distinctive features | Malabar type, 70%+ bold globose capsules, high volatile oil, premium quality |
| Grown in | Kerala, Tamil Nadu cardamom tracts, 600–1200 m |
| Also known as | ICRI 6 |
Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.
ICRI-6 in detail
ICRI-6 is a Malabar-type selection from Idukki's MCC-73 germplasm that combines bold globose capsules with high yields under intensive management.
Origin & story
ICRI-6 was developed by the Indian Cardamom Research Institute (Myladumpara, Kerala) as a selection from the MCC-73 germplasm collection from Idukki District. It was released by ICRI in the 1990s for cultivation in Kerala's Cardamom Hill Reserve, and outperforms the earlier ICRI-1 and ICRI-2 varieties.
How it grows
ICRI-6 is recommended for the Cardamom Hill Reserve of Idukki District, Kerala, at elevations of 900–1,200 m above MSL with around 2,000 mm rainfall a year. Yield is about 1,200 kg/ha of dry capsules, but the variety responds strongly to dense planting: at a closer spacing of 3 × 3 m with 1,000 plants/ha it can reach 1,887 kg/ha. It performs acceptably under moderate management and gives economic yields over extended periods. Moderately tolerant to major pests (thrips and borer) and to drought.
Quality & character
Bold capsules — about 70.86% bold, with roughly 71% of capsules exceeding 7 mm — and volatile oil content of 7.33%. Malabar-type morphology with commercial pod characteristics suited to whole-spice and extract markets.
Why it matters to buyers
ICRI-6 is reported to yield 116% more than ICRI-1 and 97% more than ICRI-2, making it attractive for intensive farming systems. Its bold capsule percentage and volatile oil content align with buyer demand for larger pod size and aroma. The strong response to dense planting lets growers raise productivity per unit area.
About cardamom
In Kerala's rolling spice gardens, cardamom isn't just one plant—it's three distinct botanical types, each with its own character. The Malabar type, with flowers drooping down like a skirt, thrives in the softer elevations of 600–1200 metres. Mysore stands tall and erect, reaching its best between 900–1200 metres on the wind-swept heights. And Vazhukka, a…
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