Mace variety · Released variety
IISR Viswashree
Also known as Vishwashree, A 9/4
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, Kerala · ICAR-IISR · 2001
High myristicin and elemicin content in both nut and mace oils; low fruit rot incidence from Diplodia species. Significantly outperforms earlier varieties in aromatic chemical composition with stronger spicy profile.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, Kerala |
| Breeder / source | ICAR-IISR |
| Year released | 2001 |
| Parentage | Clonal selection from elite trees |
| Yield | 480 kg mace/ha and 3122 kg dry nuts/ha by eighth year; potential yields up to 4800 kg mace/ha and 31,220 kg nuts/ha by 25th year; approximately 100 fruits per tree at 8-year-old stage |
| Tolerance | Relatively free from diseases; low incidence of fruit rot (Phytophthora and Diplodia); susceptible to Diplodia leaf spot under heavy moisture |
| Distinctive features | Nut 7.14% oil, 13.8% oleoresin, 70% recovery; mace 7.13% oil, 13.8% oleoresin, 35% recovery; 12.48% myristicin in nut oil, 22.0% in mace oil; 13.65% elemicin in nut oil, 20.8% in mace oil. Compact, bushy canopy; faster bearing cycle than seedling trees. |
| Grown in | Kerala, Tamil Nadu, all nutmeg-growing regions; distributed to Goa and Maharashtra |
| Also known as | Vishwashree, A 9/4 |
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 Viswashree in detail
IISR Viswasree is a clonal nutmeg/mace variety released in 2001 that bears earlier than seedling trees and delivers strong myristicin and elemicin oils suited to high-grade trade.
Origin & story
IISR Viswasree (accession A 9/4) was selected and released by the Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR), Kozhikode, Kerala in 2001 through clonal selection from elite trees.
How it grows
Trees grow compact and bushy, reaching 3-5 metres with a canopy width of 3-3.5 metres by year 9, with trunk girth at 9 years averaging about 45 cm. Flowering begins after about 4 years, with 2-3 flowers in each leaf axil, and the first commercial harvest comes around the 8th year (roughly 100 fruits per tree). At year 8 it yields about 480 kg dry mace and 3,122 kg dry nut per hectare (35% recovery for mace, 70% for nut); potential yields by year 25 rise to about 4,800 kg mace and 31,220 kg nut per hectare. The variety shows low incidence of fruit rot caused by Diplodia species.
Quality & character
Mace contains about 7.13% essential oil and 13.8% oleoresin. Myristicin makes up 22.0% of mace oil and elemicin 20.8%, compared with 12.48% and 13.65% respectively in the nut oil. The arils are dark red and the seeds bold and shiny black. The high volatile-compound content gives a warm, woody, peppery profile.
Why it matters to buyers
The elevated myristicin and elemicin content-higher in the mace than the nut-makes Viswasree mace valuable for food flavouring, spice blends, and oleoresin/essential oil extraction. The strong aromatic chemistry supports premium grades where buyers pay for oil and sensory intensity (European trade guidance cites a minimum volatile oil of about 5.0 ml/100g for mace). Its faster bearing cycle than seedling trees shortens the grower's investment period, and the low Diplodia fruit-rot incidence helps reduce disease losses in Kerala's humid climate.
About mace
Mace—the lacy, crimson-to-gold aril wrapped around the nutmeg seed—comes from the same tree as nutmeg and matures in India where Kerala's humid coastal belt has cultivated it for centuries. Below are the principal Indian varieties and botanical types: released cultivars from ICAR institutes, farmer-bred selections gaining official recognition, and regional…
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