Agri Business Incubation (ABI) of ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru had organized one day training on Commercial Breeding of Chilli and Capsicum on 30.9.2024.. Dr. M. Thangam, Nodal Officer, ABI Unit, warmly welcomed dignitaries and participants. Dr. M. Pitchaimuthu, Principal Scientist of Vegetable Crops, highlighted the Institute's focus on breeding and crop improvement and well-equipped seed processing unit for producing quality vegetables. Dr. Manjunath B.L., Nodal Officere ITMU, elaborated on the licensing of horticultural technologies and the potential of vegetable parental lines, urging participants to engage actively in practical learning. Dr. Sriram S, Acting Director of ICAR-IIHR, presided over the inaugural and closing sessions. He emphasized about potential IIHR technologies and the importance of public-private partnerships in translating scientific knowledge into practical applications.
Dr. Ponnam Naresh, the Course Director, emphasized the training's focus on chili and capsicum breeding. Key topics included male sterility, parental line maintenance, and screening for fungal diseases, along with developing disease-resistant lines and hybrids. The training also covered breeding strategies for protected cultivation and resistance to begomo viruses and Southeast Asian thrips. Furthermore, it highlights the use of molecular markers in crop improvement and presents the parental lines and hybrid technologies available at IIHR for commercialization. The training focused on various breeding methods, screening parental lines, and understanding the role of molecular markers in crop improvement and disease diversity, alongside screening protocols. The training drew 47 participants from diverse regions across India. Overall, the program was coordinated by the ABI Unit at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru.
