Multi environment testing reveals genotype-environment interaction for curcuminoids in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Abstract

Curcuma longa L. has world-wide importance to cure a variety of ailments, as the plant contains curcumin and its derivatives demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Turmeric has been valued in both conventional as well as modern medicines and has wide applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, the study on curcumin constituents in turmeric was based only on total curcumin. In present investigation the total curcuminoids constitute of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and curcumin (CUR) were analyzed in 15 genotypes representing major turmeric grown regions of India and evaluated in three different environments. An effort was taken to understand the curcuminoids content in turmeric genotypes and environmental influence on the constituents. The results revealed that the genotype, IISR Prathiba recorded the highest curcumin content and was on par with SLP 389/1, IISR Pragati, Duggirala Red, Rajendra Sonia, BSR 2, CO 2 and Punjab Haldi 1. Among curcuminoids, curcumin was recorded high in all genotypes except Acc. 849 and Narendra Haldi 98, where DMC was more than CUR. Stability model using AMMI revealed that IISR Prathiba and BSR 2 recorded stable BDMC content and SLP 389/1, Acc. 849 and CO 2 recorded stable DMC content across the environments. Stable genotypes for curcumin (CUR) were BSR 2, CO 2, IISR Prathiba and Duggirala Red. Identification of curcuminoids stable genotypes and favourable location for cultivation with respect to curcuminoids may help the farmers and industries to cultivate specified variety based on the need.