Major Projects

Major Projects ICRI

1. AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE DIVISION

• Crop production technologies including standardization of agro techniques, Land preparation, soil and water management, nursery management, planting techniques, plant nutrition, weed management and other cultural practices.
• Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) strategies for cardamom.
• Organic farming packages for cardamom.
• Evaluation of organic inputs and validation of farmer's practices and traditional knowledge for creatingscientific database.
• Recording of meteorological data.
• Development of  a mathematical model to predict the outbreak of capsule rot disease using data on weather variables, disease incidence, spore load and crop husbandry practices
• Monitoring pesticide residue in cardamom samples.
• Agro-techniques for other spices (include vanilla, pepper, ginger, turmeric, clove, garlic, and herbal spices)
• Farm mechanization, evaluation and development of machineries suited for cultivation and processing of cardamom.
• Fertigation techniques in cardamom.
• Post-harvesthandling, processing techniques, packing and storage of spices.

2. CROP IMPROVEMENT DIVISION

• Germplasm collection, conservation, evaluation and cataloguing of gene pool in cardamom and allied genera for qualitative and quantitative characters.
• Development of location specific high yielding varieties of cardamom having superior quality capsules by selection and hybridization techniques.
• Breeding for tolerance to biotic (pest and diseases) and abiotic (drought, shade) stresses
• Field adoption trials of varieties of cardamom in farmers' field
• Multi-location field-testing of varieties in collaboration with other agencies like, ICAR, SAUs, DBT etc.
• Physiological studies in cardamom
• Adaptive trials on other spices

3. BIOTECHNOLOGY DIVISION

• Molecular markers for  

                      1. Genetic diversity analysis of small cardamom

                      2. Genetic diversity analysis of large cardamom

                      3. Gender detection in Nutmeg at seedling stage.

                      4. Genetic diversity analysis of Fusarium isolates from cardamom.

                      5. Identifying archaeo-botanical samples of spices

                      6. Identifying adulterants in spices

• Tissue Culture protocols via. somatic embryogenesis in cardamom
• Molecular marker-assisted

                      1. Virus indexing of Black pepper field samples.

                      2. Virus indexing of small & large cardamom field samples.

• Microsatellite markers in small cardamom.
• Cardamom Transcriptome sequencing as resources for future genetic and genomic studies and for gene localization for accelerating breeding.

4. PLANT PATHOLOGY DIVISION

• Disease identification and its management in cardamom–

                      1. Azhukal (Capsule rot),

                      2. Rhizome rot and nursery rot diseases in plantations and nurseries

                      3. Foliar and minor diseases such as leaf spots

                      4. Capsule spots and malformations and other root rots, yellowing diseases etc.

• Biocontrol of diseases using antagonistic microbes including fungi and bacteria.
• Identifying efficient local strains of bio-agents (PGPR and antagonistic fungi) for the management of diseases
• Integrated Disease Management (IDM) practices for Cardamom
• Mathematical modelfor disease forecasting using spore trap, weather parameters anddisease incidence
• Studies on effect of soil amendments on soil borne diseases of cardamom.
• Studies on management of viral diseases
• Adaptive trials for other spices such as Black pepper

5. ENTOMOLOGY DIVISION

• Development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for cardamom, Bioecology, Bionomics,behavioural and physiological approach in pest management
• EvolvingBio-control measures, bio-pesticide formulation and screening natural enemies against pests of cardamom for developing organic farming practices.
• Studies on minor pests in cardamom
• Pestsurveillance and forecast for possible pest outbreaks

6. POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY

• Post-harvest handling, processing techniques like cardamom curing, vanilla processing, herbal spices drying etc.
• Packing and storage of spices
• On-farm value addition techniques for white pepper production, vanilla curing etc.

7. TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY

This division aims at bridging the gap between scientists and planters by transferring the achievements in the institute for application in the planters’ field. This is mainly achieved through training programmes, conducting seminars, group discussions, exhibitions, organising spice clinics etc. Scientists of the institute serve as the resource personnel in seminars and planters meetings

• Training programmes on production, protection and post-harvest technologies& management of cardamom, vanilla and other important spices for farmers and entrepreneurs.
• Two months residential training programme on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for quality spice production for unemployed youth.
• Hands-on training programme on Bio-agent production (Trichoderma,Pseudomonas, EPN) for farmer groups and NGOs.
• Training to extension functionaries from the Development Department of Spices Board, State Agricultural Department etc on latest technology/ developments.
• Mobile spice clinics and farmer scientist interface programmes in different cardamom growing locations to address field level problems.

Major Projects at RRS Sikkim for Large cardamom

• Collection, conservation, evaluation and cataloguing of large cardamom germplasm.
• Selection of genetically superior clones and hybrids having high yield, quality capsules and wide adaptability through MLTS, CYTs etc.
• Hybridization in large cardamom for evolving high yielders.
• Breeding for tolerance to frost as well as major diseases and pests.
• Development of agro-techniques like nutrient requirements, population density, cultural practices etc. to render optimum yield.
• Studies on Biology, Bionomics of major insect pests and evolving control measures for major insect pests.
• Studies on important fungal and viral diseases of large cardamom
• Epidemiology &control of viral diseases ‘Foorkey’ & ‘Chirke’ as well as clump rot.
• Post-harvest technology development for high quality production.
• Transfer of Technology to planters through extension personnel.