Ludhiana, July 31, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has entered into Memorandums of Agreement (MoA) with Arizona Seeds Pvt Ltd, Patiala, for the commercial seed production of Cucumber hybrid PKH-11 and Tomato hybrid PTH-2. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research at PAU, and Mr Mohammad Anwar, Managing Director of Arizona Seeds Pvt Ltd, formalized the agreements.
Dr A S Dhatt congratulated Dr T S Dhillon, Head-cum-Principal Vegetable Breeder, Dr S K Jindal, Principal Vegetable Breeder, and Dr R K Dhall, Principal Olericulturist, for their contributions to the commercialization of these vegetable hybrids.
Dr S K Jindal highlighted the attributes of Tomato Hybrid PTH-2, noting its high yield potential of 270 quintals per acre and multiple resistance to late blight and root-knot nematodes.
The hybrid produces round, deep red, medium-sized fruits (75-80g) with a firm texture, 3-4 locules, a total soluble solids (TSS) content of 4.2%, and a lycopene content of 4.7%. It is also suitable for processing.
Dr R K Dhall described Cucumber Hybrid PKH-11 as a gynoecious and parthenocarpic hybrid ideal for cultivation in poly/net houses. He elaborated that the plants bear 1-2 seedless, bitterness-free fruits per node, moderately ribbed, cylindrical, dark green, and 16-18 cm long, with an average fruit weight of 150-160g.
The hybrid takes 45 days for the first fruit picking after sowing in September and 60 days in January, yielding an average total of 320 quintals per acre and 370 quintals per acre, respectively.
Dr Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director of the Technology Marketing and IPR Cell, emphasized that PAU-developed vegetable hybrids and varieties are popular in public and private sectors.
“The MoAs, with various stakeholders, play a crucial role in ensuring the widespread availability of these high-quality seeds, benefiting farmers and the agricultural community”, remarked Dr Dharni.
Dr G S Manes, ADR (Agri Engineering), Dr T S Dhillon, Head-cum-Principal Vegetable Breeder, Department of Vegetable Science, and Mr Arshad Nadeem, a breeder from Arizona Seeds, also attended the ceremony.
