DUS descriptor characterization of black turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.) genotypes

Abstract

A study was carried out at ICAR KVK Chamarajanagar to characterize thirty three black turmeric genotypes for twenty five characters as per the multiscale scores guidelines of DUS. Among the characters studied, four characters viz., leaf margin, number of mother rhizome, coma bract colour and bract tip colour were found monomorphic, eleven were dimporphic and ten were polymorphic. Vigour of the plant viz., tall plants, long petiole & lamina length and broader leaves were considered as a morphological characters for selection of adoptable genotypes (GKM-2, GKB-3, GKJ-5, GOK-19, GAP-20, GMI-22, GNF-27, GMR-31) to local conditions. Pseudo stem anthocyanin colouration of GAB12, GMI22 and GNP31 is unique. All the genotypes had coloured coma bract and exhibited rose bract tip. Variations in the inner core colour of black turmeric rhizomes have been emphasized. Greenish blue & pale green colour of the rhizome inner core can be use as a marker for identification of the GKJ5 & GMV6 genotypes respectively. Genotypes GAB-13 and GAB-14 were found to be short duration type of less than 210 days; earliness can be a marker for GAB-13 and GAB-14 genotypes. The variations observed using DUS characters offers a bright scope for selection based on desirable morphological traits, which can be potential in utilization for trait specific selection.