Deciphering the genotypic superiority of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) for yield and quality traits under three contrasting production systems

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a high-value spice and medicinal crop in the family Zingiberaceae. Growth, yield, and quality are influenced by geographical factors, production conditions, and climatic factors such as temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and light. Breeding for controlled environments requires a focus on specific plant traits, like rapid growth, adaptability to low light conditions, and manipulation of plant size. Genotypes with maximum genetic plasticity are ideal for these conditions. The cultivation of turmeric must accelerate to meet demands for a increased yield and quality while minimizing environmental impact, achievable through controlled-environment production systems. Our study aims to identify superior turmeric genotypes for high yield and quality under controlled production systems, including vertical structures and greenhouse conditions. Results showed significant variation among 21 genotypes across three different production systems in terms of yield, dry recovery, oleoresin, essential oil, and curcuminoids. CIM Pitambar (185.76), Acc. 849 (176.50), Acc. 214 (149.50), and IISR Pragati (148.74) demonstrated superior fresh rhizome yield per clump under vertical structures. IISR Pragati performed well in both under greenhouse (959.08 g) and field condition (635.95 g). High recovery of cured turmeric was recorded in Acc. 14 (23.20 %) under vertical structures, Chhattisgarh Haldi 2 (25.60 %) under greenhouse and Uttar Rangini (23.14 %) under field conditions. Waigon Turmeric outperformed all other genotypes for oleoresin and essential oil contents and was found to be significantly higher across the production systems. The curcuminoids varied significantly and ranged from 0.12 % to 6.65 % across three production systems. Waigon Turmeric (2.13 %) was found to be superior for vertical structures, IISR Pragati (3.62 %) for greenhouse and IISR Prathiba (6.18 %) for field conditions. Greenhouse condition was found to be the best environment followed by field condition for fresh rhizome yield and essential oil content, whereas field condition was best for dry recovery, oleoresin and curcuminoids content. Our findings suggested that yield and quality are affected by the environments, and yield was found to be best in the greenhouse and quality traits performed best in field conditions.