Performance of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivars in open and partially shaded conditions under coconut

Abstract

The performance of 15 turmeric (Curcuma longa) cultivars grown under open and partially shaded conditions (25-30 per cent shade intensity) as an intercrop in a coconut (Cocos nucifera) garden was evaluated at Pilicode (Kerala State, India). Plant height, number of secondary fingers and total weight of fresh rhizomes were higher in all the cultivars under partially shaded conditions. However, curing percentage was higher under open conditions. The cultivar Chayapasupu recorded the highest yield (43.73 t ha-1 of fresh rhizomes) followed by VK-.31 (42.42 t ha-1) under partially shaded conditions. The yield of cured rhizomes was highest in VK-116 (5.74 t ha-1) followed by VK-77 (5.63 t ha-1) under the same conditions. As pure crop, VK-31 (35.06 t ha-1) and VK-55 (34.66 t ha-1) were the high yielders in terms of fresh yield and VK-77 recorded the highest yield (6.96 t ha-1) of cured rhizomes followed by VK-114 (6.87 t ha-1). The study indicated the need for standardising optimum light requirement for each cultivar for maximum production of cured rhizomes.