Variability and association analysis of curcumin content with yield components in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Abstract

Variability, correlation and path analysis of 24 yield and quality characters were assessed in turmeric using 15 genotypes. Wide genetic variability was observed among the genotypes for most of the characters studied. High GCV and PCV was observed for 17 characters except for plant height, leaf length, leaf width, primary rhizome length, secondary rhizome girth, diameter of inner core of primary rhizome and diameter of primary rhizome. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for 23 characters except secondary rhizome girth. Simple correlation analysis revealed that fresh rhizome yield per plant showed positive and significant correlation with collar girth, length of mother rhizome, girth of mother rhizome, weight of mother rhizome, number of primary rhizome, weight of primary rhizome and number of secondary rhizome. From path analysis, it is understood that fresh rhizome yield exhibited high direct positive effect on girth of mother rhizome, weight of mother rhizome, weight of primary rhizome, number of secondary rhizome and curcumin content.