Growth Characteristics of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Germplasms and Storage Conditions of Seed Rhizomes

Abstract

Background: Curcuma longa L., a perennial crop originating from tropical and subtropical region, including India, is noted for its important medicinal properties. However, C. longa plants are unable to endure the winter season in Korea, and its rhizomes were invariably succumb to fungal infection when stored in polyvinyl bags. In this study, we accordingly sought to develop a C. longa variety capable of producing high rhizome yields and to identify stable conditions under which rhizomes can be stored in Korea.BRMethods and Results: We evaluated the agronomic characteristics of nine C. longa germplasms and examined the effects of storing rhizomes at different temperatures (4℃ to 24℃) in paper bags or plastic baskets. We found that the finger rhizomes was higher in CUR02, CUR03, and CUR06 germplasms than those of other groups. Furthermore, in terms of yield per 1 ㎡, the weights of the finger rhizomes and tuberous roots were significantly higher in CUR09 (3.4 ㎏/㎡) and CUR04 (678.7 g/m²) than those of other groups. Therefore, we consider that these C. longa germplasms might be useful as breeding material. Although the fresh weights of the rhizomes were slightly reduced when stored in paper bags and a plastic baskets at 10℃ to 15℃, there was no evidence of fungal decomposition or sprouting, which is observed when using a conventional storage method. BRConclusions: The results of this study indicate that the selected C. longa germplasms can provide a useful source of breeding material for the development of high yielding varieties and that a temperature ranging from 10℃ to 15℃ and the use of paper bags or plastic baskets provide stable post-harvest storage conditions for C. longa rhizomes.