Hyderabad: The Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTGHU) has developed and launched a new vegetable cowpea variety, which is protein rich and ready for its first harvest in just 50 to 55 days.
This is the first vegetable variety released by the Horticultural University since the State formation. A team of scientists under the leadership of Genetics and Plant Breeding expert Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah, comprising Dr. Nikhil and Dr. Anitha Kumari developed the cowpea variety, which has been approved by the State Variety Release Committee.
The new variety, which is short duration, bush-type and photo-insensitive, is suitable for cultivation during both Kharif and Rabi seasons. It yields an average of 7 to 8 tonnes of fresh vegetable cowpea pods per acre within 85 days. The pods are light green and measure 15 to 20 centimetres in length and they do not require stringing (de-stringing).
The new vegetable cowpea variety is resistant to the yellow mosaic virus (locally known as pallaaku disease). The pods contain 22 percent protein and are rich in fibre, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It is also a variety with a high phenol content.
SKLTGHU Vice Chancellor Dr. Danda Raji Reddy said the new vegetable cowpea variety developed by the university offers high yields within a short duration.
"It is rich in protein and fibre and is suitable for year-round cultivation. It is a variety that ensures net profits for farmers," he added.