Screening of varieties of ginger and turmeric for shade tolerance

Abstract

The present study 'Screening of varieties of ginger and turmeric for shade tolerance' was conducted during May 1988 to February 1989 at the College of Horticulture, Vellamkkara, Trichur. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four replications. Thirteen varieties of ginger and twelve varieties of turmeric were raised at shade levels of 0,25, 50 and 75 per cent. For providing shade pandals were erected on wooden frames and covered with coconut fronds to provide the required levels of shade. These were covered on all sides also leaving a clearance of 1 m from ground level. An Aplab lux meter was used for adjusting the shade intensities. Most of the ginger varieties recorded the highest yield at 25 per cent shade and hence these were grouped under the category of shade loving plants. This will qualify this crop as highly suitable for intercropping in coconut gardens. Other yield parameters such as drymatter production and harvest index were also found to be the highest at 25 per cent shade Ginger varieties grown without shade yielded the best quality rhizomes. Significant interaction was noticed between shade levels and varieties on rhizome yield. Valluvanad was selected as the best single variety for all situations. Jamaica also appeared to be almost as good. Three varieties each were selected as suitable for 0, 25, 50 and 75 per cent shade. These are Jamaica, Valluvanad and Kuruppampadi for 0 per cent shade; Valluvanad, Pottangi Selection 667 and Jamaica for 25 per cent, Jorhat, Valluvanad and Jamaica for 50 per cent and Valluvanad, Jamaica and Jorhat for 75 per cent shade.