Cardamom variety · Released variety
PV-2
Also known as PV 2
Pampadumpara, Kerala (Cardamom Research Station, KAU) · Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), CRS Pampadumpara · 1990s
High-yielding Vazhukka type with deep green long bold capsules. Early maturing with unbranched lengthy panicles, suited to high-altitude intensive cultivation. High dry recovery and essential oil content.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | Pampadumpara, Kerala (Cardamom Research Station, KAU) |
| Breeder / source | Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), CRS Pampadumpara |
| Year released | 1990s |
| Parentage | Vazhukka type selection |
| Yield | around 1,000–1,250 kg dry/ha potential; 23.8% dry recovery, 6.6% essential oil |
| Tolerance | Adaptable to high-altitude areas; moderate disease tolerance, 900–1200 m |
| Distinctive features | Vazhukka type, long panicles, long bold deep green capsules, high recovery |
| Grown in | Kerala cardamom tracts, high-altitude zones; 900–1200 m |
| Also known as | PV 2 |
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.
PV-2 in detail
PV-2 is a high-yielding Vazhukka-type cardamom from Kerala Agricultural University, with long bold deep green capsules and suited to intensive cultivation in the high ranges.
Origin & story
PV-2 was released from the Cardamom Research Station (CRS), Pampadumpara, in Idukki district by KAU. It is a Vazhukka type developed from open-pollinated seedlings of PV 1, selected for bold capsules and high yield for Kerala's cardamom hill reserves.
How it grows
PV-2 is an early-maturing, high-altitude variety suited to intensive cardamom cultivation in the high ranges of Idukki district. The plants produce unbranched, lengthy panicles. Under organic management at CRS (pooled data 2013-2019), it recorded the highest dry capsule yield among the cultivars tested at 416.75 kg/ha. Its stated yield potential is around 1250 kg/ha per AICRP on Spices recommendations.
Quality & character
Vazhukka type with long bold deep green capsules. In the CRS organic trial it gave the highest fresh capsule yield at 1959.94 kg/ha and a 100-capsule weight of about 103g. Its essential oil is notably high in beta-linalool (around 11%), the highest among the accessions in a Frontiers chemotype study, alongside alpha-terpinyl acetate, giving a sweet aromatic profile.
Why it matters to buyers
PV-2 stands out for oil quality: the high beta-linalool (around 11%) with alpha-terpinyl acetate makes it of interest to traders and essential-oil processors seeking sweet-aromatic lots. In CRS trials it showed superiority in tolerance to major cardamom pests and diseases, which lowers crop risk in endemic areas, and its high fresh and dry yields support good returns.
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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