Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Lam Farm, Guntur, released two new chilli varieties, LCA-625 and LCA-643

¨     The Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Lam Farm, Guntur, released two new chilli varieties, LCA-625 and LCA-643, on 16 June 2026.

¨     The two varieties were developed as alternatives to the Teja and Byadgi chilli types.

¨     LCA-625 is mainly intended for dry chilli production.

¨     It has a pungency of 45,000–50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

¨     It has a red colour value of 60–65 ASTA units.

¨     Scoville Heat Units (SHU) measure the capsaicin-based pungency of chilli peppers.

¨     ASTA units measure the red colour intensity of dried chillies.

¨     LCA-643 is suitable for both green and dry chilli cultivation.

¨     Its fruits are light green when fresh and turn bright red after drying, resembling the Byadgi variety.

¨     The variety has moderate resistance to Gemini virus.

¨     It also performs well under black thrips infestation.

¨     The foundation seed sale of LCA-625 and LCA-643 began on 16 June 2026 at Lam Farm.

¨     The seeds were priced at ₹1,200 per kilogram.

¨     Due to limited availability, the sale was restricted to 250 grams per farmer.

¨     The two varieties are available only at Lam Farm.