Indian Collections of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.): Genetic Variability, Inheritance, Character Association and Performance

Abstract

Twenty seven genotypes of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) were evaluated to estimate the variability and inheritance pattern, to suggest suitable breeding strategies and to identify productive genotypes. Highly signifi cant mean squares for all the traits indicated large variation among genotypes. High genetic gain through selection is expected for shoot length, leaf area, rhizome yield and dry matter yield because of additive gene inheritance; while curcumin accumulation in rhizome could be improved by selecting the heterotic seedlings as it is governed by non-additive gene. Furthermore, leaf length and curcumin content could be the most effective and reliable selection indices, as indicated by correlation and path coeffi cients, in identifying the curcumin-rich productive genotypes. A variety of North East India ‘Megha Turmeric-1’ excelled for the traits of commercial importance (dry matter recovery and curcumin yield). Conclusively, the genotypes of North East India were superior to other parts of India for most of the economic traits and potentially useful for genetic enhancement as well as for varietal improvement of turmeric.