Genetic variability and character association in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Studies on the genetic variability, heritability, genotypic coefficient of variation, phenotypic coefficient of variation, genetic advance of the associated character of the turmeric at different site and estimate the curcumin and oleoresin content, are evaluated in two seasons 2007–08 and 2008–09. Significant differences were observed for sixteen characters among seventeen genotypes in turmeric (curcuma longa L.). The phenotypic coefficient variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) estimates for all the traits studied. The high heritability accompanied with a high genetic advance in per cent of mean was recorded for weight of mother rhizome and weight of fresh rhizome per plant while high heritability along with moderate genetic advance was recorded for number of tillers per clump, plant girth, length and width of mother rhizome, number and weight of fresh rhizome per plant, number and weight of secondary rhizome per plant, rhizome girth, dry matter (%). Rhizome yield had positive and significant correlation with plant height, number of leaves on main shoot, plant girth, length and width of mother rhizome, number and weight of primary rhizome per plant, number of secondary rhizome per plant and weight of fresh rhizome per plant at phenotypic and genotypic levels, while only one character viz number of tillers per clump showed positively and significant association at genotypic level only. The estimates of genetic parameters revealed scope for further improvement of rhizome yield by selection.