The Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Lam Farm, has developed two chilli varieties as alternatives to the popular Teja and Byadgi, with some pest resistance, high pungency and tolerance to weather conditions.
Lam Farm will commence the sale of foundation seeds of these two chilli varieties — LCA-625 and LCA-643 — from Tuesday (June 16, 2026), Associate Director T. Suseela informed.
According to the research station, LCA-643 is suitable for both green and dry chilli cultivation. The variety produces light green fruits measuring 13 to 14 cm in length that turn bright red after drying, resembling the popular Byadgi variety. It is tolerant to moisture stress, shows moderate resistance to the Gemini virus and performs well even under black thrips infestation with minimal pesticide use.
The LCA-625 chilli variety developed by the Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Lam Farm, near Guntur. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
LCA-625, developed primarily for dry chilli production, has plants with dense branching and medium-length fruits of 8 to 10 cm, similar to the Teja variety. The variety has high pungency of 45,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units and a red colour value of 60 to 65 ASTA units. It is also moderately tolerant to fruit rot disease.
Seeds will be available directly at Lam Farm from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on working days, excluding Sundays and second Saturdays, until stocks last. The price has been fixed at ₹1,200 a kg, with sales restricted to 250 grams a farmer because of limited availability.
Ms. Suseela cautioned farmers against purchasing seeds sold elsewhere under the same names, saying the varieties were available only at Lam Farm.
Farmers may call 99898 09554 or 94405 92982 for details.
Published - June 16, 2026 11:26 am IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
