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Cardamom variety · Released variety

IISR Vijetha-1

Also known as IISR Vijetha

Appangala, Kodagu, Karnataka (Cardamom Research Centre, IISR) · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala · 2001

Malabar type specifically bred for mosaic (Katte)-infected areas. Strong Katte virus resistance with good yield potential. Excellent for marginal and degraded cardamom lands where virus is endemic.

Key facts

TypeReleased variety
OriginAppangala, Kodagu, Karnataka (Cardamom Research Centre, IISR)
Breeder / sourceIndian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala
Year released2001
ParentageMalabar type selection from field-resistant plants in Katte-affected areas
Yieldreported around 643–979 kg dry/ha with 7.9% essential oil, 77% bold capsules
ToleranceKatte virus resistant; Cardamom mosaic virus resistant
Distinctive featuresMalabar type, 7.2 mm bold capsules, 77% bold, deep green, 7.9% essential oil
Grown inKarnataka (Kodagu), Kerala cardamom tracts; 600–1200 m, Katte-affected areas
Also known asIISR Vijetha

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.

IISR Vijetha-1 in detail

A Malabar selection bred for Katte-endemic cardamom lands, Vijetha-1 holds up on degraded and heavily shaded ground where the mosaic virus is widespread, delivering steady yields rather than top-tier ones.

Origin & story

Released by IISR's Cardamom Research Centre at Appangala, Kodagu, in 2001 as a Malabar-type variety developed for mosaic (Katte) disease-infested areas. It came out of the centre's work selecting and refining disease-tolerant cardamom material for commercial use.

How it grows

A Malabar type suited to moderate-to-heavy shade in mosaic-prone cardamom tracts. It yields around 643 kg dry capsules per hectare on average, with a potential of about 979 kg per hectare on well-managed holdings. Plants run to roughly 172 cm with around 36 tillers per clump. It shows field tolerance to thrips and shoot/panicle/capsule borers, which makes it practical for marginal, virus-endemic lands.

Quality & character

Deep green capsules, 77% bold at 7.2 mm, with essential oil around 7.9% — typical of the Malabar expression. As with cardamom generally, the dominant oil compounds are 1,8-cineole and alpha-terpinyl acetate, though published profiles for this specific variety are not readily available.

Why it matters to buyers

Vijetha-1 capsules are reliable bold stock for export and domestic spice blending. The Katte resistance steadies supply in endemic regions — less culling, fewer wiped-out seasons. Growers value it on degraded, virus-prone land where other varieties struggle, and traders value the consistency and green appearance. It is a practical, steady variety rather than an aroma-led premium one.

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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