Sahyadri Vaman: A Novel Dwarf Tuberose Variety developed by ICAR-DFR, Pune

Breakthrough

A significant breakthrough was achieved by ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (DFR), Pune in developing a novel dwarf tuberose variety called 'Sahyadri Vaman' from half-sib population of a tall variety Phule Rajani.

Background

Tuberose (Agave amica (Medik), is a valuable flower crop belonging to family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. It is native to Mexico and mainly cultivated in tropical regions of the world for loose and cut flower purposes. It produces pure white and highly fragrant flowers which are commonly used for making garlands, intricate floral ornaments, elegant bouquets, and as long-lasting cut flowers suitable for table decoration. The single-type tuberose cultivar is notably more fragrant than the double types, making it the preferred choice for loose flower production and essential oil extraction. Despite its commercial value, tuberose possesses a narrow genetic base with a limited number of commercially viable genotypes. This genetic uniformity makes the species highly vulnerable to emerging pests, diseases, and environmental stressors, underscoring the critical need for modern breeding programs. Realizing the gap ICAR-DFR initiated intensive breeding program in tuberose from 2015 onwards. One of the half sib populations of cv. Phule Rajani, exhibited the unique dwarfness which was isolated and propagated vegetatively through bulbs.

Uniqueness

The conventional varieties of tuberose have longer spike length of about 100-120 cm making them prone to lodging and therefore are inept for pot culture. Hence, there is a great scope for developing dwarf varieties having significantly reduced spike length and resistant to lodging with novel colours and forms. The demand for such pot suitable varieties has increased significantly especially in towns and cities.
Sahyadri Vaman produces significantly dwarf plants and spikes when compared to other conventional varieties of tuberose. It attains a height of 48-55 cm and bears highly fragrant florets arranged compactly on a short rachis (20-25 cm) that appears like hyacinth flower spike. Multilocation testing under AICRP on Floriculture indicated that Sahyadri Vaman is suitable for eight different agro-climatic zones of India.

Suitability

Its short stature makes it highly suitable for pot-culture, vertical gardening and terrace/roof gardening. Its flowers have longer keeping-quality and wide acceptability making it ideal for table-top decorations, which can bring its majestic fragrance indoors. Its powerful fragrance can be enjoyed more directly and intensely by placing the pots near windows, doors, or on patios. The sweet fragrance and floret opening till the end of spike makes it an ideal candidate for vase decoration as cut flower as well. Besides these, it  produces 42-52 nos. medium sized flowers (4.5-5.0 cm) with good rachis length making it suitable for cut flower production as well. The varieity is good multiplier with higher number of bulbs and bulblets.

IPR and Commercialization

ICAR-DFR has submitted an application for its protection with PPV&FRA during 2023. It is commercialized to M/S Swift Agro Chemicals & Nutrients Pvt. Ltd., Pune for further production and popularization.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune)