Hybrid involving CGMS system will ensure genetic purity and also reduce the cost of seed production

The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has entered into agreement with Generation Seeds Private Limited, a Patiala-based seed company, for licensing of chilli hybrid CH-52. The memorandum of agreement (MoA) was signed by Dr Navtej Singh Bains, Director Research, PAU and Paramjit Chandi, Generation Seeds on behalf of their respective organisations. This is the 266^th MoA and 62 PAU technologies have been commercialised so far through the Technology Marketing and IPR Cell under the Directorate of Research, PAU.

Dr AS Dhatt, Additional Director of Research (Horticulture), said that this hybrid involving CGMS system will ensure genetic purity and also reduce the cost of seed production.

Giving details, Dr TS Dhillon, Head, Department of Vegetable Science, said this hybrid will revolutionise chilli production, specially, under low tunnel cultivation.

Informing about salient characteristics of the variety, Dr SK Jindal, Senior Vegetable Breeder, said the fruits of CH-52 are long (9.8 cm), deep green in colour and pungent (0.9 per cent capsaicin). The hybrid is moderately resistant to leaf curl virus, fruit rot and root knot nematodes. The hybrid is suitable for cultivation under low tunnel and gives an average yield of 106 q/acre, he added.