PKM-1

Early bearer (grafts fruit in 3rd year, seedlings in 5th). High pulp recovery of 39% compared to 28% in local types. High tartaric acid (17.1%) and ascorbic acid (3.95 mg/100g). Distinctive semicircle fruit shape with white inner pulp indicating superior quality.

Key facts

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.

PKM-1 in detail

PKM-1 is a clonal selection from Endapuli village in Tamil Nadu that combines early fruiting with high pulp recovery. Grafts begin bearing in the 3rd year, and mature trees give substantial yields of pods with about 39% pulp recovery.

Origin & story

PKM-1 was made as a clonal selection from Endapuli village in Tamil Nadu and released in 1992 by TNAU (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University) through its Horticulture College and Research Institute at Periyakulam. The selection was made for its early bearing and fruit quality.

How it grows

Grafted PKM-1 trees begin fruiting in the 3rd year, while seedlings take about 5 years for the first fruit. Mature trees yield roughly 270-300 kg of pods per tree, with about 250 kg reached from the ninth year onward. At 10m x 10m spacing, this works out to around 25 tonnes of pods per hectare. For propagation, cleft grafting done in April to May gives the best results, with survival around 85% reported from a Tamil Nadu trial; later-season grafting performs much worse.

Quality & character

Distinctive semicircle-shaped pods with white inner pulp, taken as a sign of superior quality. High pulp recovery of 39% (against about 28% in local types), with pods that are less fibrous. Tartaric acid is high at 17.1% and ascorbic acid is 3.95 mg/100g. The pods are sour with a brown exterior and are small in size. The white pulp colour sets it apart visually from darker-pulp local types.

Why it matters to buyers

PKM-1's 39% pulp recovery and low fibre make it attractive for processors, cutting processing loss. The early bearing (grafts in the 3rd year vs. about 5 years for seedlings) shortens the wait to commercial return for growers. The high tartaric acid suits processed tamarind uses. The white pulp acts as a quality signal in the market. Yields building to around 250 kg per tree by the ninth year provide a reliable return for growers in rain-limited parts of Tamil Nadu.

Other tamarind varieties

• Yogeshwari
• DTS-1
• Prathisthan
• Goma Prateek
• Urigam
• Hasanur
• GKVK-17
• Lakshamana
• Cumbum
• Tumkur
• Jagdish
• Rahuri