Variability in morphological, yield and nutritional attributes of ginger (Zingiber officinale) germplasm in Nigeria

Ginger is a spice cum medicinal plant with fluctuating price and consumer demands that depends on the varietal qualities. Ten ginger genotypes were evaluated in 2017 and 2018 at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria for variation in their morphological, yield and nutritional attributes. Data were collected on seedling emergence, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, plant height, pseudo-stem diameter and rhizome yield. The harvested rhizomes were analyzed for proximate, minerals and phytochemical compositions. Genotype EN-1 gave the best rhizome yield of 18 t/ha followed by KD-2 (16.5 t/ha), KD-1 (14.5 t/ha) and KD-3 (14 t/ha) while lower yield of 3.3 t/ha was obtained in RT-3 genotype. The results of proximate analysis revealed a high variation in nutritional contents with a range of 1.31 to 3.17% protein, 0.88 to 1.33% ash, 2.22 to 4.97% fiber, 0.25 to 0.60% fats and 8.3 to 12.0% carbohydrate contents in the different genotypes. Significant variation among the mineral and phytochemical attributes of the studied genotypes was also observed. The desirable growth, yield and nutritional attributes identified in different genotypes calls for gene mapping in these genotypes to establish their genetic diversity. The premium price placed on ginger rhizome is dependent on its quality and yield hence, grower should consider quality as well as the rhizome quantity accruable from each genotype in deciding which genotype to grow.