Agro-ecological regions and varietal classification of cashew - developmental strategies

摘要

The release of 36 cashew varieties in the country has shown impact on the increase in cashew yields. Varietal recommendation hitherto is mainly based on the results of trials of All India Coordinated Research Project on Cashew ((AICRP on Cashew) centres/multilocation trials. Most of the varieties released are specifically recommended for local region while some varieties could be recommended for other regions also due to their wider adaptability tested under multilocation trials. An attempt is madehere to recommend cashew varieties developed at different centres to similar soil, agro-environments elsewhere by utilising information on sell type and agro climatic conditions. Ranking of commencement of flowering of varieties in different centres ofAICRP on cashew indicates that even though flowering of periods varies among locations, the relative flowering time remains more or less stable. Different agro ecological sub regions where cashew is grown is documented with suggestive recommendation of the varieties. Length of Growing Period (LGP) required for cashew varies from 90 to 270 days depending on the agro climatic / ecological regions and varieties. It was indicated that areas which have different quantity of rainfall, but with similar Available Water Capacity (AWC) and Length of Growing Period (LGP) could be clubbed together for making varietal recommendation. Two agro ecological sub regions were identified for each of the states of Kerala (extended to Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra), Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.