Genetic variability and performance of ginger genotypes under mid-hills of Meghalaya

Twenty-one indigenous and exotic genotypes of ginger were evaluated for three consecutive years. All the 12 parameters were significantly different among genotypes. Number of leaves per clump, weight of mother rhizome and internodal distance of rhizome were found to be the most variable characters (21.3–32.9% CV). Yield was positively and significantly correlated with tillers/clump (r=0.83), internodal distance of rhizome (r=0.51 and plant height (r=0.50) and was negatively correlated with fibre content (r=−0.53). Karakai, Chekeralla, Rio-de-Janeiro, Thingpui and Khonsa Local had high rhizome curing percentage (19.1–20.4). The maximum fibre content (7.6%) was recorded in Khasi Local and lowest in Nadia. However, Tura yielded highest (266.9 q/ha) followed by Poona (250.4 q/ha) and Basar Local (248.8 q/ha).