MSc

The present investigation entitled “Genetic analysis of phenological variations for yield and quality in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)” was taken up during the period from May, 2014 to January, 2015. The objective of the study was to understand the phenological variation in yield and quality attributes in turmeric. The intention of the study was to verify if earlier harvest yields better quality which is the widely held view among the farmers.
Twelve genotypes of turmeric were evaluated under split plot design. Genotypes studied were Prabha, Prathibha, Kedaram, Alleppey Supreme, Suvarna, Sudarsana, Kanthi, Varna, Sona, Shobha, Suguna and Wayanad local. Data recorded at 160, 200 and 240 days after planting (DAP) suggest that the plant height, number of tillers, number of leaves, leaf length and leaf breadth differs significantly during the three dates of harvest. Plant height was the maximum at 240 DAP (97.08 cm). The maximum number of tillers was observed at 240 DAP (2.74), it was on par with 200 DAP (2.73). Leaf length recorded the maximum at 240 DAP (49.95 cm) and leaf breadth recorded maximum at 200 DAP (12.62 cm).
Fresh rhizome yield per plant, dry rhizome yield per plant, fresh rhizome yield per plot, dry rhizome yield per plot and the quality parameters like oleoresin, starch, volatile oil and curcumin content differ significantly during the three dates of harvest and they were found to be the maximum at 240 DAP. There was no serious pest or disease incidence during the crop period.
High values of phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for fresh yield per plant (31.02 and 30.93), volatile oil (25.23 and 24.89), curcumin (23.55 and 23.26), oleoresin (20.66 and 20.53), number of leaves (20.40 and 20.10) and number of tillers (20.40 and 19.09). Heritability was
high for all characters studied except leaf breadth. GA was the highest for fresh yield per plant (63.53%).
The positive phenotypic and genotypic correlation with fresh rhizome yield per plant was observed for plant height (0.766 and 0.773), oleoresin (0.708 and 0.716), starch (0.554 and 0.559), number of tillers (0.475 and 0.494), leaf breadth (0.340 and 0.487) and number of leaves (0.406 and 0.404). Path analysis revealed that plant height exhibited the highest positive direct effect on fresh yield per plant (0.7180) followed by number of tillers (0.3034). The highest selection index value was obtained by Sudarsana followed by Kedaram.
In addition to this, the meteorological parameters like rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and evaporation were also recorded during the crop period.
Out of the three dates of harvest, third harvest (240 DAP) was found superior in terms of yield and quality. Sudarsana was the best genotype regarding fresh rhizome yield whereas Kedaram was best regarding dry rhizome yield. Maximum curcumin content was recorded by Kanthi and Varna. The characters plant height, number of tillers, fresh rhizome yield, number of leaves, oleoresin, volatile oil and curcumin can be used in selection of genotypes for developing superior varieties