A comparative study on impacts of water stress in turmeric varieties Acc 48 and Acc 79

Abstract

Water stress created in turmeric varieties Acc 48 and Acc 79 by irrigating them in different intervals. Water stress influence on morpho-logical features, physio-logical and yield features of both the varieties was investigated. In this study irrigation treatments divided into three groups. Group A control receives water weekly once. For every two weeks once group B was irrigated and for every three weeks once group C was irrigated. Plants which are under heavy water stress showed gradual reduction in morphological, physiological and in yield parameters, i.e. ‘plant height, number of leaves, width of the leaf, fresh and dry weight of rhizome, Relative Growth Rate, Net Assimilation Rate’. Acc 48 & Acc 79 morphological- parameters, physiological and yield parameters was slightly affected in moderate stress compared to control. Among the two Acc 48 resisted water stress in moderate stress condition than Acc 79. In heavy water stress condition, the two varieties severely affected compared to control and moderate stress. Among the two varieties Acc 48 was less affected. In all the treatments Acc 48 was less affected in all aspects except in thin and tuberous roots number. To cope up with water stress length of thin and tuberous roots of both the varieties were increased in heavy and moderate water stress condition. Irrigating turmeric two weeks once showed minor impact on plants than irrigating them three weeks once. In heavy water stress, plants was affected in all morphological, physiological and yield aspects.