IPB University Launches Virus-Resistant Curly Chili, a Solution to Curly Yellow Disease
Attacks of yellow curly disease caused by Begomovirus continue to plague chili farmers in Indonesia. Although it does not cause plant death, this disease can drastically reduce productivity and impact farmers’ income.
To address this issue, Prof Muhamad Syukur, a distinguished professor at the Faculty of Agriculture at IPB University, successfully developed a virus-resistant curly chili variety named Neno TAVI.
Prof Syukur explained that this variety was developed as a long-term solution to combat the virus, which has been difficult to control. He noted that the lack of a cure for the yellow curly virus often forces farmers to uproot their plants, resulting in significant losses.
“The primary alternative for chili cultivation is to develop virus-resistant varieties that benefit farmers,” he stated.
The development of the Neno TAVI variety was prioritized for curly chili peppers due to their high usage rate, particularly in the regions of Sumatra and Java. Curly chili peppers are also the second most widely used chili pepper variety in Indonesia after red chili peppers.
According to Prof Syukur, the new variety retains the characteristics desired by consumers, such as strong spiciness, optimal fruit size, and high productivity. This demonstrates that virus resistance does not compromise chili quality.
“The spiciness remains high. The size is also optimal, and consumer preferences have not decreased at all,” he explained.
In addition to being an agronomic solution, Neno TAVI is also considered strategic in helping stabilize national chili prices and supply, especially during lean seasons. Prof Syukur hopes the presence of this variety will support the government’s efforts to control food sector inflation.
For the initial stage, Neno TAVI seeds have already begun to be distributed to farmers who wish to try growing them. However, the process of large-scale commercialization is still awaiting official approval, such as a release decision letter (SK) or variety registration.
The Neno TAVI variety is expected to be a significant milestone in achieving self-reliance while also promoting improved welfare for chili farmers in Indonesia. (Fj) (IAAS/PRO)
