Registration of ‘CIM-Pushti’: Withanolide-A rich, leaf blight tolerant high yielding variety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) with good root textural quality

Abstract

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an Indian origin, dryland medicinal plant sought across the world as a potent rejuvenative adaptogen owing to its various pharmacological properties. The roots are the most frequently used plant part of Ashwagandha since ancient India Vedic era, as the tissue is enriched with Withanolide A that imparts neuroprotection, mitigates stress and helps to increase brain health. Under a Withanolide targeted breeding program at CSIRCIMAP, a new variety ‘CIM-Pushti’ has been developed through intraspecific hybridization between ‘Nagouri’ X ‘Kashmiri’, the two major ecotypes prevalent in India. The new variety combines the root quality of Nagouri type (cultivated and annual type) and biomass yield of Kashmiri type (wild, perennial type) in one genotype background. The characteristics of the new variety includes highly wavy, subcoriaceous, light green leaves with semi erect, strong culm and yellow orange mature berries. Roots are whitish cream with nonseparable rind, fine pulverisable, brittle roots with high starch to fibre ratio and Withanolide-A content averaging 0.713mg/g dry weight basis. It is also high in Withanolide- B(0.460mg/g dry weight basis) and negligible presence of Withanone. It matures in 168-178 days producing average yield of 9-10 quintal roots per hectare. It is also tolerant to leaf blight caused by Alternaria alternata. The variety is suitable for cultivation in the Indian agro-climatic zones (VIII,XIII & XIV) i.e. Central Plateau, Western dry region and Gujarat planes regions of India.