Evaluation of growth and yield characters of different turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) varieties suitable to Telangana state

The present investigation entitled “Evaluation of growth and yield characters of different turmeric varieties suitable to Telangana state” was conducted during the season kharif- 2023, at SKLTSHU, Mulugu. The experiment was laid out using the Randomized Block Design with 9 varieties ACC-48 (IISR-Pragathi), ACC-79, ACC-194, Rajendra Sonia, Pithambar, Rajapuri, Duggirala Red, Salem, BSR-2 with 3 replications. Among the varieties evaluated V₆- Rajapuri exhibited the maximum percentage of sprouting (98.17%) maximum number of tillers (2.93), maximum number of leaves (21.95 leaves), maximum leaf width (14.51 cm), maximum leaf area (2533.49 cm²), maximum LAI (8.41), maximum leaf fresh weight (109.54 g/plant) at harvest, BSR-2 has been observes with maximum plant height of (98.43 cm) and Duggirala Red observed maximum leave length (40.97 cm), demonstrating its potential for robust vegetative growth. In terms of leaf dry weight Salem was observed with maximum leaf dry weight (28.10 g/plant). These results indicate that V₆ - Rajapuri, V8 - Salem, and V₉ - BSR-2 are top performers in biomass production, showcasing superior vegetative growth and potential for higher yields. The fresh weight of rhizomes per plant and per plot, as well as the fresh rhizome yield per hectare, exhibit significant variability among the turmeric varieties, highlighting distinct differences in yield potential. Variety V₆ - Rajapuri exhibited maximum rhizome fresh weight per plant (315.29 g/plant), fresh rhizome yield per plot (28.08 kg/plot), fresh rhizome yield per hectare (31.19 t/ha). These results indicate that maximum productivity is Variety V₆- Rajapuri, V₉- BSR-2, and V₇- Duggirala Red are top performers in terms of yield and dry matter retention, while Variety V1- ACC-48/IISR Pragathi consistently showed the minimum performance, suggesting limited yield potential.