Cardamom variety · Released variety
ICRI-7
Also known as ICRI 7
Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara) · Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) · 1990s
High-yielding hybrid with excellent recovery and oleoresin content. Bold angular capsules and strong response to closer spacing and high plant density.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara) |
| Breeder / source | Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) |
| Year released | 1990s |
| Parentage | High-yielding hybrid selection |
| Yield | reported around 1,400 kg dry/ha at standard spacing; 1,300 plants/ha |
| Tolerance | Moderate disease tolerance; suited to high-density systems |
| Distinctive features | Hybrid type, 70%+ bold angular capsules, high dry recovery, excellent oleoresin |
| Grown in | Kerala, Tamil Nadu cardamom tracts, 900–1200 m |
| Also known as | ICRI 7 |
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-7 in detail
ICRI-7 is a hybrid cardamom from the Indian Cardamom Research Institute, suited to high-altitude Kerala cultivation. It gives bold green capsules and a high dry recovery of around 22%.
Origin & story
ICRI-7 was developed by the Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI), headquartered at Myladumpara, Idukki, Kerala. The institute was established in 1978 as the research wing of the Spices Board. ICRI-7 is a hybrid between the parent lines MCC-12 and MCC-35, recommended for cultivation in the Wayanad and Idukki districts of Kerala. It is one of a series of small cardamom varieties released by ICRI (ICRI-1, ICRI-2, ICRI-3, ICRI-5, ICRI-6, ICRI-7 and ICRI-8). The precise release year within the 1990s is not documented in available public sources.
How it grows
ICRI-7 is suited to high-altitude cardamom zones of Kerala at elevations of 900–1,200 m with annual rainfall around 2,000 mm, particularly in Wayanad and Idukki districts. It yields about 1,400 kg of dry capsules per hectare when planted at a closer spacing of 2.7 m × 2.7 m with a higher plant density of 1,300 plants/ha. The variety is fertilizer responsive and moderately tolerant to drought. Plants carry semi-erect panicles with green, bold capsules.
Quality & character
ICRI-7 produces bold capsules, with about 69.87% of capsules grading as bold. Dry recovery is high at 22.24% of fresh capsule weight. The variety has an oleoresin content of 7.99% and volatile oil of 8.84%. The green colour and bold form are consistent traits.
Why it matters to buyers
ICRI-7's high dry recovery and bold capsule form suit it to premium cardamom grades. Its oleoresin and volatile oil content are of interest to spice traders and processors looking for consistent flavour and aroma. For farmers, the variety's fertilizer responsiveness allows yields to scale with nutrient inputs, and its moderate drought tolerance reduces risk in lower-rainfall seasons.
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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