Evaluation of morphology and yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes under agroclimatic conditions of Chhattisgarh plains, India

Quantifying yield and morphological characterization help to understand the varietal performance of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). The present investigation addresses the research gap of varietal performance and productivity of turmeric for 2 years in Chhattisgarh. It is the pioneer attempt to evaluate the varietal performance of turmeric through various growth attributes and yield in order to promote sustainable turmeric production in Chhattisgarh. The experimental material consisted of 12 turmeric varieties replicated thrice and raised in a randomized block design. Based on the growth characters, the mean value of plant height (cm), number of tillers/plant, number of leaves/plant, stem girth, leaf length, leaf width, and days to maturity ranged from 118.8 (BSR-2) to 80.5 (IT-9), 3.7 (Narendra Haldi) to 2.5 (IT-9), 10.2 (IT-36) to 8.2 (IT-23), 2.2 (IT-36) to 1.8 (Roma, BSR-2, IT-9), 65.7 (IT-38) to 57.5 (BSR-2), 13.0 (IT-10) to 9.0 (Suranjana) and 215.8 (IT-7) to 177.8 (IT-36), respectively. Turmeric varieties viz., BSR-2, Narendra Haldi, Roma, and IT-36 were vigorous types while Suranjana, IT-9, and IT-23 performed comparatively low. Narendra Haldi recorded the maximum number of tillers/plant (3.7) followed by IT-2 & IT-36 (3.5) and Roma (3.4). IT-36 variety recorded the maximum number of leaves/plants, leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, rhizome yield/plot, and weight of dry rhizomes/plant. Soil revealed a slightly acidic nature with moderate conductivity and organic carbon percentage. Available nitrogen and potassium were at moderate levels followed by a higher content of iron, copper, and manganese. This information on varietal performance helps to strengthen the policy and action plan for sustainable production of turmeric which further ensures ex-situ conservation of the same in Chhattisgarh plains.