The VRI 3 cashew is a highyielding improved variety developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University TNAU at the Regional Research Station in Vridhachalam It is a popular choice for both commercial plantations and home gardens due to its reliable productivity and exportquality nutsThe VRI 3 cashew is a highyielding improved variety developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University TNAU at the Regional Research Station in Vridhachalam It is a popular choice for both commercial plantations and home gardens due to its reliable productivity and exportquality nutsKey CharacteristicsFeatureDescriptionOriginSelection from a seedling progeny Tree No 1668 from Kattupalli Tamil NaduGrowth HabitCompact canopy with moderate tree height ideal for highdensity plantingNut WeightMediumsized averaging 718g per nutKernel GradeHigh quality typically falling into the W210 export gradeShelling Approximately 291 a measure of usable kernel to total nut weightApple ColorPinkishyellow to red at maturity pearshaped with high juice contentYield and PerformanceAverage Yield Approximately 1168 kg to 1810 kg per tree per year under optimal conditionsEarly Bearing It is an earlymaturing variety often starting to yield fruits within 3 to 4 years after plantingHarvest Season Flowering typically occurs between January and May with harvesting taking place from April to JuneAdaptability It is highly hardy and thrives in red loam laterite and sandy soils It is particularly wellsuited for tropical and semitropical regions with welldefined dry seasonsManagement HighlightsDensity While traditionally planted at 7m x 7m it is now frequently used in HighDensity HDP and UltraHighDensity UHDP systems up to 1600 plants/ha to maximize yield per unit areaPruning Regular canopy management is recommended to maintain its compact shape and encourage the growth of new flowering shootsPest Resistance Shows moderate tolerance to the Tea Mosquito Bug a common cashew pest and is notably droughtresistant