A strategic approach to achieve healthy plant growth and decontaminated rhizome of Curcuma alismatifolia Gagenep. cultivation in modified substrate on raised-bed planting

K. Boontiang1*, T. Siritrakulsak1 and C. Nontaswatsri2

1Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Kantharawichai 44150, Thailand. 2Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Production, Maejo University, Sansai 50290, Thailand. Corresponding e-mail: kriangsuk.b@msu.ac.th

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.38

Key words: Curcuma, bacterial wilt-free, modified substrates, raised-bed cultivation
Abstract: Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. is one of the most attractive tropical flowers exported from Thailand. However, distributing its rhizomes free of bacterial wilt is considered to be a critical quarantine issue. This study’s strategic approach focused on cultivating C. alismatifolia in modified substrate on raised-bed planting without contamination by the wilt Ralstonia solanacearum. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (10 replications per treatment). Significant differences of the physical and chemical properties of appropriate substrates were observed to be correlated with mature green Azolla added in compost. This treatment promoted maximum growth and development, compared to the control. Moderate infection of R. solanacearum was detected in the rhizomes of plants grown with soil collected from the same location of a previous in-ground bedding crop (SSL) mixed in substrates. Healthy plants and decontaminated rhizomes were found in C. alismatifolia grown in modified substrates without SSL. Implementing the findings of this research has the potential to support sustainable production for C. alismatifolia.



Journal of Applied Horticulture