Innovation Description
Mr. T. Vengadapathy Reddiar from Puducherry has developed various new varieties of Crossandra like Modi-1, Modi-2, Abdul Kalam-1, Abdul Kalam-2 by cross-breeding, gamma radiation treatment and subsequent mass selection.
Crop: Crossandra (Crossandra sp.)
Salient features: Distinct specific colour of flowers (dark red to yellow), Good
shelf life, Disease
tolerant.
Genesis: Mr. Reddiar started his work on varietal improvement in 1972. He developed many varieties of Casuarina sp. and Crossandra sp. through mutation, breeding and mass selection of traditional varieties. He named the varieties based on selection and distinct features.
Harvesting period: Throughout the year.
