Morphological characterization of Indian turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes using DUS descriptor

Abstract

Fifteen genotypes of turmeric, a commercially important crop having nutraceutical and pharmaceutical value, were characterized for 24 characters in the form of multiscale scores given by DUS guidelines. Among the characters studied, three genotypes were found to be monomorphic, 12 were dimporphic and nine were polymorphic characteristics. Apart from the DUS characters, there were some noticeable variation in the selected genotypes which can act as morphological markers for identification of genotypes; they are collar girth of the pseudostem, pigmentation in leaf lamina at initial stage which fades off in later stage and red pigmentation in emerging shoot at initial stage of sprouting. The morphological characterization of genotypes will help in linking a character to a specific trait, with potential in utilization for trait specific selection.