Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS) Lam Farm releases two chilli varieties LCA-625 and LCA-643

Key facts

• The Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Lam Farm, has developed two chilli varieties — LCA-625 and LCA-643 — as alternatives to the popular Teja and Byadgi.
• LCA-643 produces light green fruits measuring 13 to 14 cm in length that turn bright red after drying, resembling Byadgi, and is tolerant to moisture stress and shows moderate resistance to Gemini virus.
• LCA-625, developed primarily for dry chilli production, has high pungency of 45,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units and a red colour value of 60 to 65 ASTA units, and is moderately tolerant to fruit rot disease.
• The foundation seeds will be sold at ₹1,200 a kg, restricted to 250 grams per farmer, available directly at Lam Farm from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on working days excluding Sundays and second Saturdays.
• Associate Director T. Suseela cautioned farmers against purchasing seeds sold elsewhere under the same names, stating the varieties are available only at Lam Farm.