April 18, 2008

India develops three new disease-resistant corn varieties
 

Three disease-resistant corn hybrids have been developed in India, which have been recommended for nationwide cultivation. 
 

The new corn hybrids are HQPM-7, HM-8, and HM-10, according to B S Chhillar, director of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University, which developed the corn varieties.

HQPM-7 has an average yield of 7.2 tonnes per hectare, and it possesses superior protein nutrition. Its grain appearance is normal, and is resistant to diseases such as leaf blight and stem borer. Chhillar suggests Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra as cultivation areas for HQPM-7.

Average yield of HM-8 is 6.8 tonnes per hectare. Its grains are orange and it is resistant to different diseases. Chhillar recommends cultivation in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttrakhand, Chhatisgarh, Gujarat, Orissa, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

HM-10 has an average yield of 7 tonnes per hectare. Its grains are yellow and are also resistant to common diseases. Its recommended cultivation areas are the same as HM-8's.

Both HM-8 and HM-10 have been recommended for spring planting.