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| PARBAT: A walnut variety of SKUAST-J released by Central Committee | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 30: The Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notification, and Release of Varieties for Horticultural Crops, in its 31st meeting chaired by Prof. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticultural Science), was held on 19th July & 5th August 2024, New Delhi to discuss and approve the release of new horticultural crop varieties for nationwide and state-level notification.
The committee reviewed numerous horticultural crop varieties developed by agricultural institutions across India. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the recommendation for the release and notification of the state walnut variety ‘Parbat,’ developed by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J). Dr. Parshant Bakshi, Professor and Head of the Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-J is the Principal breeder of this promising walnut genotype.
The ‘Parbat’ walnut variety is characterized by medium tree vigor, a spreading growth habit, and sparse branch density. Key characteristics of the nut include:
• Nut weight: 19.18 g
• Nut dimensions: Length-44.32 mm, Width-42.17 mm, Thickness-41.25 mm
• Kernel weight: 10.22 g
• Kernel percentage: 53.28%
• Nut yield: 90 kg per tree
• Protein: 22 % and Oil content: 61.50%
The tree is located in the field of Gosaun Ram at GowPadder at an elevation of 1968 m above mean sea level. The region experiences heavy snowfall from October to March, making the ‘Parbat’ variety, with its late leafing and late maturity, particularly well-suited to future climate change conditions. Its unique characteristic of nut maturity within the hull before hull dehiscence makes it resistant to quality degradation during the rainy season, a common occurrence in the area. With a superior yield compared to other genotypes in Jammu and Kashmir, the ‘Parbat’ walnut holds promise for expanding walnut production in the region and improving resilience to climate variability.
The committee's recommendation highlights the success of SKUAST-J’s research and innovation efforts in developing superior horticultural crop varieties that address the unique agro-climatic conditions of India.
Two more walnut and pecannut varieties from Poonch and Bhaderwah are under review by SKUAST-J and are expected to be recommended for release in the forthcoming meeting of the State Seed Sub-Committee (SSSC). |
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