Normally 600 seedlings of tall varieties can be planted on an acre, but if it was dwarf hybrid ones, up to 800 can be planted. The tissue-cultured seedlings of two dwarf hybrid varieties of arecanut developed by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, Kerala, are likely to be commercially available to farmers from January next.CPCRI director P. Chowdappa told The Hindu that the institute developed the varieties — VTLAH–1 and VTLAH–2 — more than three years ago. Its tissue culture technology has been transferred to a Tamil Nadu-based company, which in turn is likely to start its commercial seedling production from next year. Both are chali (white arecanut) varieties.Mr. Chowdappa said VTLAH–1 yielded 2.54 kg a palm while