Influence of Different Seed Rhizome Storage Methods on Viability, Growth and Yield of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.)

Masreshaw Yirga

doi:10.7176/jees/10-7-01

Abstract

In spite of the importance of turmeric ‘Ird’ as a ground spice and in curry powder in Ethiopia and the efforts made so far to generate improved technologies, its production and quality is remained low compared with the world average. One of the contributing factors is lack of appropriate seed rhizome storage methods, which insisted the current investigation. The study was conducted at Metu agricultural research sub center to determine suitable rhizome storage methods on viability, yield and growth parameter in 2017. The experiment was laid out in RCB-design with 3 replications. This experiment was consisted of twelve treatments which were arranged using 3 planting materials (turmeric mother rhizome, finger Rhizome and mixed rhizome) stored under 4 storage conditions(shade +mulch, nursery +mulch, constructed seed store house, and pit). Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among the treatments for disease incidence (p<0.05), rhizome length and rhizome yield (p<0.01), while non significant for other studied parameters. Mother Seed Rhizome turmeric stored under shade tree+mulch gave the maximum sprouting (88.4%).The least rotten percentage was found from rhizomes stored under nursery (3.71%). Moreover, Mother rhizome stored under shade tree recorded maximum yield and all other parameters viz. highest rhizome viability (94.53%), tiller per plant (2.8), leaf length(25.5cm), leaf width(14.6cm), plant height(28.1cm), rhizome length(5.9cm), rhizome width( 2.0cm), number of fingers per stood(5.2cm) and yield (38.2 ton/hectare). generally shade tree +mulch has produced maximum rhizome sprouting and viability, maximum yield and yield related parameters, therefore this storage method is found the best appropriate rhizome storage method to be used by the users. Keywords: turmeric, rhizome, storage methods, sprouting, viability DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-7-01 Publication date: July 31 st 2020

Highlights

Turmeric which belongs to the ginger family, zingiberaceae, is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant (Chirangi et al, 2004)
Seed Rhizome turmeric stored under shade tree+mulch gave the maximum sprouting (60.29%), followed by rhizome stored under pit(53.33%), the possible reason may be due to the presence of considerable amount of air, moisture and temperate relative to the store house and nursery
It was found that rhizome stored in the constructed store house followed by nursery was found dried and shriveled, which might result in lower moisture content

Summary

Introduction

Turmeric (curcuma longa) which belongs to the ginger family, zingiberaceae, is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant (Chirangi et al, 2004). The crop is widely used as a spice in Bangladesh India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand (Hermann and Martin, 1991; Ishimine et al, 2003). Curcuminoids in turmeric have anti-inflammatory, antimutagen, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and detoxifying properties (Hermann and martine, 1991; Nakamura et al, 1998; Osawa et al, 1995; Sugiyama et al.,1996; Uechi et al, 2000). Curcumin is the most important fraction which is responsible for biological activities of turmeric. Curcumin and volatile oils of turmeric prevent tumor formation, improve liver and kidney functions and could be used against biliary disorders, diabetic and hepatic disorder (Hermann and Martine, 1991)

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