Growth, yield and quality performance of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes in mid altitudes of Meghalaya.

Abstract: Performance of twenty-five genotypes was studied at Barapani for three consecutive years. Among the 19 characters studied, weight of primary finger rhizome recorded the highest level of variability (38.94%) followed by number of primary and secondary finger rhizomes per clump. Plant height, length of leaf, and length, diameter and weight of primary finger rhizome, internodal distance of primary finger rhizome, and rhizome yield per hectare were significantly and positively associated with fresh rhizome yield per clump. A negative correlation between dry rhizome recovery and fresh rhizome yield per clump was observed. PCT 13, PCT 11, GL Puram and PCT 15 showed no significant differences and had higher yields, indicating their suitability for cultivation under mid hill conditions of Meghalaya. Lakadong had poor yields but had the highest curcumin (7.33%) content.