Tirumala (PPR 1012) – A High Yielding Blast Resistant Finger Millet Variety Released for Andhra Pradesh

High yielding finger millet varieties are essential to improve productivity levels in rainfed areas of Andhra Pradesh. Tirumala (PPR 1012), a cross derivative of AE 3077 x Ratnagiri is a medium duration (115-120 days) high yielding finger millet varietywith a yield potential of 25-30 q/ha released during 2019 through State Varietal Release Committee (SVRC) for commercial cultivation in Andhra Pradesh. Purple pigmentation at nodes, leaf sheath junction and on glumes, and large ear heads with incurved finger tips are the distinguishing features of this variety. Grain is medium bold size and copper brown colour with a test weight of 3.5 g. The variety is resistant to blast diseases viz., leaf blast, nec k blast and finger blast. It showed moderate resistant reaction to leaf blight and banded blight. Average grain yield in minikits was 23.85q/ha which was 13.0 per cent higher than standard variety Vakula (21.37 q/ha). It is highly suitable for kharif rainfed situations in Southern Zone of Andhra Pradesh and can be cultivated in all seasons under irrigated situation.The finger millet variety Tirumala (PPR1012) was uniquely identified with DNA fingerprinting.