Fresh Rhizomes Research Articles

First report of aflatoxin and ochratoxin contamination in ginger collected from different agroclimatic zones from Punjab, Pakistan

Ginger, a fresh rhizome, an economically important spice with extensive nutraceutical activities finds itself in vegetable and therapeutic market. Aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) along with ochratoxin A (OTA) are the most significant and the most toxic form of mycotoxins which are produced by various fungi. This study was initiated to assess the contamination of AFs and OTA in raw and dried ginger products, collected from different agro-climatic zones in Punjab, Pakistan employing the high performance liquid chromatography. We found all (raw ginger samples commercial ginger powders) samples contaminated with AFB1 (range: 29.88-1060.12μg/kg). AFB2 contamination was much lower (range: 0 to 17.54μg/kg). Variable contamination of AFG1 was also observed (range: 0 to 170.58μg/kg) whereas AFG2 contamination was found in only three (range: 0 to 21.88 μg/kg) out of 19 raw ginger samples. OTA contamination ranged from 0.05-3.42μg/kg. Ginger samples from lower altitudes (<1000 m) were more contaminated with AFB1 sub type mycotoxin. Keeping in view that the toxicity of AFs is in the order of B1>G1> B2>G2, it was alarming to find that 100% of the samples were contaminated with AFB1 way beyond the permissible limits. Our very first report about the contamination of ginger with AFs presents a grave health issue because of wide use of ginger. We conclude that ginger production in Pakistan needs to be carefully crafted and due diligence is needed during ginger cultivation, harvest and post-harvest operations because the amount of aflatoxins detected in this study are very much above the permissible limits. In this regard, ginger storage in cooler environments such as refrigerator should be encouraged to contain the AFs proliferation.

Impact of Boiling on Composition of Oven-Dried Curcuma Longa Linn Rhizomes

The effect of boiling Curcuma longa Linn rhizomes prior to oven drying on its proximate, mineral and phytochemical composition was studied. Fresh turmeric rhizomes were sliced to 5 mm thickness and then divided into two parts. The first part was oven dried directly while the second part was boiled prior to oven drying. Both products were then pulverised and subjected to laboratory analysis following standard procedures of AOAC and spectrometry. Boiling had an impact on the proximate composition as there were significant (P&lt;0.05) reductions in ether extract, crude fibre and crude protein. Sodium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus contents were significantly reduced with a significant increase in levels of magnesium, zinc and iron (P&lt;0.05). Significant reductions in phytochemicals due to boiling prior to oven drying were also recorded (P&lt;0.05). This experiment therefore shows that boiling Curcuma longa Linn rhizomes prior to oven drying could be of pharmacological importance.

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Bio Capsules: Enhancing Ginger Growth and Yield

The study aimed to assess the impact of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria capsules on the growth and yield of ginger. PGPRs known for their role in nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and hormone secretion. These PGPR’s tested at the Turmeric Research Station, Kammarpally across three consecutive years (2018-2021) in combination with three ginger varieties (Mahima, Maran, Local type) and five different treatments T1-POP + Trichoderma (Talc formulations) + GRB 35 (Talc formulations), T2- POP + Trichoderma capsules + GRB 35 capsule, T3- POP + Trichoderma capsules, T4- POP + GRB 35 capsule, T5- POP (Recommended package of practices). The treatment T4V1 (POP + GRB 35 capsule with Mahima variety), produced the highest fresh rhizome yield with 6.28 kg plot-1 and 21.53 t ha-1 followed by T4V2 (POP + GRB 35 capsule with Maran variety) at 6.16 kg plot-1 and 20.15 t ha-1. These results suggest that GRB 35 capsules significantly enhance ginger yield, offering a sustainable approach to ginger cultivation.

Formation mechanism of blue pigment in boiled lotus rhizome discs: Insight into the chelation of polyphenols and iron

Boiled lotus rhizome discs (BLRDs), as common processed products of lotus rhizome, have gained increasing attention from consumers and food manufacturers. However, the blue pigment formed during boiling affects its appearance and reduces the appetite of BLRDs. In this study, the effects of polyphenols and iron contents on blue pigment formation in BLRDs in different regions and months were investigated. Results revealed that blue variation was more serious in March and April of the second year in Wuhan, and polyphenols and iron contents in these two months were significantly higher than those in other months. Then, UPLC and UV–Vis analysis showed that polyphenols causing the formation of blue pigment in BLRDs were L-dopa, gallocatechin, catechin, epigallocatechin, chlorogenic acid and epicatechin, among which L-dopa (52.450 mg/100 g in fresh lotus rhizome (FLR)) and gallocatechin (36.210 mg/100 g in FLR) possessed the greatest effect. Moreover, the ESI-Q-TOF-MS analysis of L-dopa-iron chelate and gallocatechin-iron chelate suggested that the blue pigment of BLRDs was mainly in the form of bis-complexes under boiling conditions. The study on formation mechanism of blue pigment in BLRDs can provide a reference for lotus rhizome processing.

Nutritional and bioactive potentials of a powder and a decoction made from Ceylon cinnamon bark, Laurus nobilis leaves, and Curcuma longa Linn rhizome

The blends of Ceylon cinnamon bark (F1), Laurus nobilis leave (F2), and Curcuma longa rhizome (F3) powders are recommended by therapists, as are their decoction, for fighting chronic diseases. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and bioactive potential of a powder blend made from those three plant food matrices and the form of consumption with the most beneficial antioxidant potential. Ceylon cinnamon dry bark, Laurus nobilis fresh leaves, and Curcuma longa fresh rhizome were purchased and processed directly into powders. A substitution plan of Cinnamon powder involving three powder blends (F4, F5, F6) and a decoction marketed had been retained. The proximate composition, nutrient density, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of the powder blends and decoction (bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity) were determined. F1 powder, presents the best characteristics in terms of protein content, nutrient density, and bioactive compounds. The powder blend F6, composed of 50 % Ceylon cinnamon bark, 30 % Laurus nobilis leaves and 20 % Curcuma longa rhizome, had higher contents of total protein (14.85 ± 0.37 g/100 g DM), crude fiber (32. 49 ± 0.90 g/100 g DM), total polyphenols (268.50 ± 2.00 mg GAE/g DM), total flavonoids (55.09 ± 1.01 mg QE/g DM), and a higher nutrient density in iron (1.03 mg/100 Kcal) and zinc (1.61 mg/100 Kcal). The decoction obtained from the F6 powder blend after 5 min of boiling, had high soluble bioactive compounds contents: polyphenol (24.5 ± 1.07 mg GAE/g DM), flavonoids (0.25 ± 0.01 mg QE/g DM), and condensed tannins (0.09 ± 0.00 mg CE/g DM). An antioxidant activity whose main basic mechanism is the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+, higher (74.94 % close to vitamin C) than that of the blend itself (65.20 % close to vitamin C). The decoction derived from the boiling of the F6 powder blend represents its most advantageous form of consumption.

Sustainable Methods for Growing Turmeric: Evaluating the Effects of Synthetic and Organic Fertilizers on vegetative and reproductive attributes

This study aimed to assess the influence of various bio-fertilizer sources on turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivation in Eastern Nepal. The research was conducted at G.P Koirala College of Agriculture and Research Centre, Sundarharaicha, Morang, Nepal, from April 2023 to January 2024. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments including T1: Recommended dose (RD) of NPK, T2: Goat manure, T3: Organic manure, T4: Poultry manure, T5: Vermicompost, T6: Farmyard manure, T7: Control, replicated three times. Turmeric cultivation practices were implemented following standard agronomic procedures. The recommended dose of synthetic fertilizer, NPK, exhibited the highest enhancement across multiple vegetative and reproductive growth parameters of turmeric, with notable increases in plant height, leaf number, tillers per plant, primary and secondary fingers per clump, fresh rhizome yield, dry yield, and dry recovery percentage. Among the organic sources, goat manure and poultry manure also showed promising results in enhancing turmeric yield and quality. Specifically, NPK recorded the highest fresh rhizome yield at 21.30 tons/ha, while goat manure and poultry manure yielded 20.35 tons/ha and 18.69 tons/ha, respectively. In contrast, the lowest fresh rhizome yield was observed in the control group, indicating minimal enhancement in yield without fertilizer supplementation. The results highlight how organic farming methods may be a good substitute for traditional chemical fertilizers in the context of sustainable turmeric production.

Engineering Characteristics of Curcuma Flour (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) from Convection Drying

Curcuma is a herbs having a lot of advantages for human health. The fresh rhizome has a lot of disadvantages especially from the volume and low quality. To maintain the quality, curcuma should be processed to curcuma flour. This study was carried out to determine the engineering properties including water content, color, bulk density, water absorption, oil absorption, and angle of repose of curcuma flour ground after convection drying. The research method used in this study was CRD (completely randomized design) with 2 factors, namely drying temperature (40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C) and flouring or milling duration (6, 8, and 10 min). Curcuma rhizome was pre-treated with a convection drying. After milling process, the flour was sieved to have particle size of 60 mesh. Statistical analysis included ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), Duncan post-hoc test, and correlation test. The result revealed the curcuma flour has engineering properties including bulk density (0.35 – 0.38 g/ml), water content (7.97% – 11.77%), water absorption (2.78 – 3.79 ml/g), angle of repose (27.99° – 30.44°), color brightness L (67.07 – 71.78), red-green chrome a (7.67 – 8.92), yellow-blue chrome b (51.37 – 55.13), and total color change ∆E (57.42 – 62.12). Keywords: Convection dryer, Curcuma, Drying, Engineering characteristics, Flour.

Impact of Front Line Demonstrations on Yield Enhancement of Ginger (var. Nadia) Raised Single Node Seedlings through Pro Tray Technology in Tribal Area of Alluri Sitaramraju District of Andhra Pradesh, India

To overcome the problems of high seed usage due to the high cost of seed material and rhizome rot disease in ginger in tribal agency areas of ASR district. Hence, the ICAR-ANGRAU, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kondempudi conducted Front Line Demonstrations (FLD) in five selected villages, namely Paderu, Peddabayalu, Hukumpeta, Dumbriguda, and Araku mandals of Alluri Sitaramraju district (ASR) of Andhra Pradesh, for three years (2019–20, 2020–21, and 2021-22). The purpose of the FLD was to showcase the superior performance of single node raised seedlings of the ginger variety Nadia raised through portray technology compared to the normal farmer practice variety Nadia. The single-node ginger (Var.Nadia) seedlings cultivated using technological demonstration of yield and economic analysis in contrast to farmers' practices 50 farmers participated actively in the FLD, which covered 20.5 acres. In terms of production, pooled fresh rhizome yields of 139.57 and 120.02 q/ha, respectively, showed that single-node grown seedlings of ginger var. Nadia raised by modern technology were superior over farmer practice. Single-node ginger (var. Nadia) seedlings grown by this technique exhibited an upsurge in fresh rhizome output from 10.28 to 20.39 percent over the course of the demonstration years. Average cost-benefit ratios for the three years for demonstration plots and farmer practice were 1:3.18, 1:3.26, and 1:3.61, and 1:2.09, 1:2.08, and 1:2.01, respectively. The extension gap of three years (2019–20, 2020–21, and 2021–22) was 27.71, 16.1, and 14.84 q/ha in demonstration plots, respectively. Results on the Technology Index ranged between 12.07 to 6.62% and 20.78 to 5.17% for single-node ginger (var.Nadia) seedlings raised through pro tray technology and farmers’ practices, respectively. All three years of study revealed that for single-node ginger (var.Nadia) seedlings raised through portray technology, there is much significance and scope for up scaling the demonstrated technology in tribal agency areas of Alluri Sitaramraj district, Andhra Pradesh.

A Comparative Phytochemical Analysis and HPTLC Fingerprinting of Ardraka and Shunti in Different Dosage Forms and its Relation to Diabetes

Ginger is a household spice used globally for different purposes. As per Ayurveda, it is considered to possess therapeutic properties for various ailments. Although ginger has Pramehagna (anti-diabetic) property, there are very few formulations for diabetes that contain this as an ingredient. However, some pharmaceutical and clinical studies have shown significant anti-diabetic property of ginger. According to Ayurveda, Ardraka (fresh rhizome) and Shunti (dry rhizome) have different properties and are widely used in many formulations. To analyze the difference between both forms of ginger in varied forms, phytochemical screening, and HPTLC study was done on Ardraka swarasa (juice of fresh rhizome), Shunti churna (powder), Ardraka and Shunti Kashaya (decoction of fresh and dry ginger), Ardraka and Shunti Hima (cold infusion of fresh and dry ginger), Ardraka and Shunti phanta (cold decoction of fresh and dry ginger). Alkaloids were present abundantly in Ardraka swarasa, Ardraka kashaya, Shunti kashaya, Shunti hima and Shunti phanta. Flavonoids were present in excess only in Ardraka swarasa. HPTLC analysis showed more peaks in Kashaya of both forms of rhizomes and Ardraka phanta.

The effect of drying temperature and material thickness on the drying characteristics and drying kinetics of curcuma drying using an oven

Curcuma is a plant that has medicinal, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-inflammatoryand anti-tumor properties. Curcuma sold in the market is still fresh rhizomes, so it is impractical and clean and can potentially decrease in quality if stored for a long time. One of the efforts to produce good quality curcuma is the drying process. This study aims to analyze the effect of drying temperature and material thickness on the drying characteristics and drying kinetics of curcuma drying using an oven. Based on this research, it is known that the initial moisture content of content at drying temperature variations of 50, 60 and 70°C is 8.59%, 8.82% and 6.28% (dry base) and after drying, it becomes 0.58%, 0.36% and 0.17% (dry base). The initial moisture content at thickness variations of 5, 10and 15 mm was 8.59%, 5.67% and 3.6% (dry base) and after drying, it became 0.58%, 0.25% and 0.12 % (dry base). Characteristics of curcuma drying using an oven consist of three stages of the drying period. The drying kinetics models suitable for this study are the Page, Logarithmic and Verma et al. models, with R2 values ranging from 0.9737 to 0.9988.

Impact of bio-inoculants and bio-formulations on growth and yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

An experiment was conducted during 2011–12 at Arabhavi, Karnataka, to study the impact of bio-inoculants and bio-formulations on growth and yield of ‘Salem’ cultivar of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Turmeric cv. ‘Salem’ showed better response to combined application of inorganic fertilizers, bio-inoculants and bio-formulations than other treatments used in the study. Combined application of recommended dose of fertilizer [(RDF), FYM @ 25 t/ha and N:P:K @ 180:90:90 kg/ha) + VA-Mycorrhiza (VAM) + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani resulted in higher fresh rhizome yield and growth parameters, viz. plant height, pseudostem diameter, leaf area and leaf-area index, which was at par with the treatment, RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum. Similarly, the highest benefit: cost ratio of 4.87 was obtained with the application of RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani compared to the other treatments. Hence planting of turmeric rhizome with combination of RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani was profitable under northern dry zone of Karnataka.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A potential source of fibre and antioxidant, and its effect on rheological characteristics of soft wheat dough, and physicochemical properties of cookies

Ginger is the fresh rhizome of the ginger plant (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and known to have various health benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, hypoglycaemic, and gastrointestinal-protecting effects. In the present work, the effects of partially substituting soft wheat flour with ginger powder (GP) on the rheological characteristics of dough, and physicochemical properties of cookies were investigated. Results illustrated that partial substitution with GP had significant impact on rheological properties of soft wheat dough, especially at 4% or higher; the development time, energy, and resistance to extension of the dough were significantly different from the control (p &lt; 0.05). LF-NMR measurements indicated that the mobility and distribution of immobilised water influenced gluten strength, and dough stability. Sensory evaluation by panellists indicated that cookies incorporated with up to 2% GP were acceptable. Moreover, cookies prepared with incorporation of 2% GP had 1.60 ± 0.06 g/100 g crude fibres, 0.92 ± 0.05 mg/g total phenolics, 1.11 ± 0.01 mg/g total flavonoids, and 13.97 ± 0.04% ABTS+ radical scavenging activity, all of which were significantly different from the control (p &lt; 0.05). Overall, the results supported the potential application of GP in cookies as a functional food ingredient.

Response of Spacing and Row Proportions of Turmeric + Okra Intercropping System of Odisha in India

Farmers of Kandhamal district of Odisha are cultivating turmeric as sole crop where interspace are not properly utilised. Therefore, One experiment was conducted at RRTTS, G.Udayagiri, Kandhamal, Odisha to study the response of spacing and row proportions on growth and yield attributes of okra in turmeric + okra intercropping System during 2022-23 kharif. T1 - Sole turmeric at 30x 20 cm (Recommended), T2- Sole Oka 45x20 cm (Recommended),T3- Okra + Turmeric (1:1), T4- Okra + turmeric (1:2), T5- Okra + turmeric (1:3),T6- Okra + turmeric (1:4),T7- Okra + turmeric (2:1),T8- Okra + turmeric (2:2), T9- Okra + turmeric (2:3), T10- Okra + turmeric (2:4). Sole crop of turmeric fresh rhizome (119.2 q ha-1) and okra fresh fruit (72.8 q ha-1) produced the highest yield when compared with other intercropping systems. Turmeric + Okra Intercropping system (1:4) spacing and row proportion in T6 registered highest turmeric rhizome equivalent yield 149.9q ha-1over other intercropping system and B: C ration of 2.17 where as in sole crop of B: C ratio -1.43.

In Vitro Microrhizome Production, Genetic Homogeneity Assessment, and Field Performance Evaluation in Ginger

In vitro-induced microrhizomes are promising for producing disease-free planting materials in ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), spice and medicinal crops threatened by several soil-borne diseases. The study examined microrhizome induction, genetic homogeneity, and field performance in ginger. The condition combination of 3.0 mg·L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 100 g·L−1 sucrose, and a 12-h photoperiod (the optimal conditions) produced the largest number of microrhizomes among all treatments but resulted in a lower average fresh weight during the 60-day culture period. Larger microrhizomes exhibited greater tolerance to water loss and a higher percentage of sprouting. Therefore, additional efforts were made to increase the size of the microrhizomes. Under the optimal conditions, the fresh weight increased significantly to 280.3 mg and 403.4 mg after 30 days of additional culture and in vitro culture of small-sized microrhizomes, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis and SSR characterization confirmed the genetic homogeneity of the regenerated plants with microrhizomes (MR) and those obtained by directly sowing sprouted microrhizomes into the substrate without acclimatization (FMR). At harvest, the MR had the most robust growth, a significantly higher fresh rhizome weight (206.1 g per plant) than the FMR (121.8 g per plant) and conventional tissue-cultured plants (TC), and similar rhizome finger size (11.5 g and 10.2 cm2) to the FMR. These findings suggest that both the MR and the FMR have advantages over the TC in producing seedling rhizomes of ginger in the first growing season. The established approach may be useful for large-scale production of disease-free ginger rhizomes.

Effect of planting material and pre-planting storage method on rhizome sprouting, crop stand, and seed rhizome yield of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) at Teppi, Southwestern Ethiopia

A two-year study experiment was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022 at the Teppi Agricultural Research Center (TARC) with the aim of identifying suitable planting material and an appropriate pre-planting storage method that can enhance turmeric seed quality and yield under rain-fed conditions. The experiment consisted of three planting materials (mother rhizomes, finger rhizomes, and mixed rhizomes) and five pre-planting storage methods (cemented floor, under tree shade, raised mesh-wired bed, pit with grass cover, and pit with soil cover). These factors were factorially arranged using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results from the analysis of variance revealed that the seed quality, growth, and seed rhizome yield of turmeric were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced by the main effect of both planting material and storage method. However, their interaction effect did not significantly affect these attributes (p&gt;0.05). The highest clean and sprouted seed rhizomes, as well as total sprouts, were recorded in mother seed rhizomes and seed rhizomes stored under tree shade. Conversely, storing mother seed rhizomes on cemented floors resulted in the highest seed weight losses. Finger seed rhizomes stored in soil-covered pits produced the highest percentages of non-sprouted and decayed seed rhizomes. Regarding growth attributes, mother seed rhizomes led to the highest plant stands, plant height, stem girth, leaf growth, and tiller number. Storing seed rhizomes under tree shade performed the best across these growth attributes. Turmeric plants grown from mother seed rhizomes yielded a higher number of mother and finger rhizomes per plant and the highest fresh rhizome yield. Likewise, storing seed rhizomes under tree shade resulted in the highest fresh rhizome yield. In general, utilizing mother seed rhizomes and storing them under tree shade improved turmeric seed quality, growth, and seed rhizome yield. Therefore, farmers in the area are recommended to adopt these practices, but further research is needed to assess their economic feasibility.

Influence of Thermal Treatment on the Composition of Alpinia officinarum Rhizome.

Alpinia officinarum is a representative of the Zingiberaceae family, which is known for its wide use in the food and pharmaceutical industries also due to its precious pharmacological potential. The major aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of thermal treatment on the composition of the rhizome of Alpinia officinarum and its antioxidant activity. The fresh rhizome was subjected to various thermal treatment processes-boiling, frying and microwave heating during various time intervals-and their composition and antioxidant activity were determined using chromatographic (HPLC - High Performance Liquid Chromatography and HPLC-MS - High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) and spectrophotometric (DPPH and TPC - Total Phenolic Content) methods. Pinobanksin was the main compound found in the extract of the fresh rhizome (537.79 mg/kg), followed by galangin (197.7 mg/kg) and zingerone (185.5 mg/kg). The effect of thermal treatment on the rhizome composition was varied. In general, thermal processing significantly decreased the content of active compounds in the rhizome. However, there were some exceptions-boiling for 4 min significantly increased the content of pinobanksin (1162.4 mg/kg) and galangin (280.7 mg/kg), and microwave processing for 4 min increased the content of pinocembrin (213 mg/kg). It was found that boiling and microwave treatment significantly increased the antioxidant activity of the processed rhizomes.

Drip irrigation on productivity, water use efficiency and profitability of turmeric (Curcuma longa) grown under mulched and non-mulched conditions

Turmeric cultivation primarily thrives in India, with significant presence in Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia. India leads globally in both area (0.19 Mha) and production (0.844 MT) of turmeric. Despite this, there's a recognized gap in research regarding the combined effects of mulching and drip fertigation on turmeric growth in Tamil Nadu conditions. Therefore, this study aims to assess how mulching and drip fertigation impact water usage, turmeric growth, productivity, and post-harvest soil health via field experiments. The treatments comprise of different mulching techniques (M1-25 μm Plastic Mulching, M2-50 μm Plastic Mulching, M3- Organic Mulching, M4-No Mulching) as the main plot, coupled with various irrigation regimes as the sub plot (S1-100% of pan evaporation, S2- 80% of pan evaporation, S3- 60% of pan evaporation), in a split plot design. Findings show that 50-μm Plastic Mulching (M2) notably enhances turmeric growth parameters, including plant height, biomass, leaf count, and yield attributes such as tillers and rhizomes, compared to no mulch. Significantly, when 80% of pan evaporation is utilized in drip irrigation, it showcases the most pronounced plant growth and yield characteristics, with plastic mulch at this level significantly improving water and nutrient use efficiency while increasing beneficial compounds like Curcumin and oleoresin. The highest fresh rhizome yield is observed with 50-μm plastic mulch and 80% pan evaporation (M2S2), displaying a 39.79% increase compared to the control. Additionally, the study notes effects on microbial populations and mulch degradation. Economically, M2S2 exhibits the highest profitability with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.23 compared to other treatments. Implementing these practices not only enhances yields but also conserves water (estimated at 9.15 mm3) while emphasizing the importance of drip irrigation, fertilizer application, and mulching in boosting turmeric productivity, optimizing resource efficiency, and ensuring economic and environmental sustainability.

Performance of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) and Pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan L.) Intercropping System under North Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India

Performance of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) and Pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan L.) Intercropping System under North Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India

Effect of planting material and pre-planting storage method on rhizome sprouting, crop stand, and seed rhizome yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) at Teppi, Southwestern Ethiopia

A two-year study experiment was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022 at the Teppi Agricultural Research Center (TARC) with the aim of identifying suitable planting material and an appropriate pre-planting storage method that can enhance turmeric seed quality and yield under rain-fed conditions. The experiment consisted of three planting materials (mother rhizomes, finger rhizomes, and mixed rhizomes) and five pre-planting storage methods (cemented floor, under tree shade, raised mesh-wired bed, pit with grass cover, and pit with soil cover). These factors were factorially arranged using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results from the analysis of variance revealed that the seed quality, growth, and seed rhizome yield of turmeric were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced by the main effect of both planting material and storage method. However, their interaction did not significantly affect these attributes (p&gt;0.05). The highest clean and sprouted seed rhizomes, as well as total sprouts, were recorded in mother seed rhizomes and seed rhizomes stored under tree shade. Conversely, storing mother seed rhizomes on cemented floors resulted in the highest seed weight losses. Finger seed rhizomes stored in soil-covered pits produced the highest percentages of non-sprouted and decayed seed rhizomes. Regarding growth attributes, mother seed rhizomes led to the highest plant stands, plant height, stem girth, leaf growth, and tiller number. Storing seed rhizomes under tree shade performed the best across these growth attributes. Turmeric plants grown from mother seed rhizomes yielded a higher number of mother and finger rhizomes per plant and the highest fresh rhizome yield. Likewise, storing seed rhizomes under tree shade resulted in the highest fresh rhizome yield. In general, utilizing mother seed rhizomes and storing them under tree shade improved turmeric seed quality, growth, and seed rhizome yield. Therefore, farmers in the area are recommended to adopt these practices, but further research is needed to assess their economic feasibility.

ANALYSIS OF TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA LINN) ESSENTIAL OIL FROM DIFFERENT GROWING LOCATIONS USING FTIR/GC-MS SPECTROSCOPY COUPLED TO CHEMOMETRICS AND ITS WOUND HEALING ACTIVITIES

Objective: This study aims to determine the wound-healing activity of turmeric essential oil (TEO) collected from seven growing locations in West Sumatra, classify it based on fingerprint patterns of IR spectra combined with chemometrics, and identify their metabolite profiling using GC-MS spectroscopy.&#x0D; Methods: Fresh turmeric rhizome was extracted by the hydrodistillation method. TEO classification was carried out by PCA (Principal Component Analysis), and PLS-DA (Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis) was used for predicting characteristic functional groups and metabolites (VIP&gt;1) in TEO. Wound healing activity was performed using in vitro fibroblast cell proliferation and migration assay. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with a 95% confidence level.&#x0D; Results: PCA analysis based FTIR spectra was able to determine highland and lowland-originated TEO. The metabolites responsible for TEO classification were α-Phellandrene and D-limonene. The result showed that TEO originating from both lowlands and highlands enhanced fibroblast cell proliferation and fibroblast cell migration.&#x0D; Conclusion: The combination of IR spectral fingerprint patterns and chemometric analysis could classify TEO based on the height location of growth. The results showed that the altitude of the growing location had no significant effect on the wound-healing activity of TEO from West Sumatra (p&gt;0.05).