Identification and Registration of a High-yielding Genotype of Curcuma caesia Roxb. (CHNBT-1) through Station Trials, Multilocation Trials and Farm Trials

Abstract

Curcuma caesia Roxb. is an important medicinal plant valued for its rhizomes and essential oil, and its conservation through sustainable cultivation requires the identification of productive genotypes. The present study evaluated 33 genotypes collected from different regions of India and adjoining areas of Nepal to identify and register a high-yielding genotype. Initial selection trials were conducted for three years during 2016–2018. Based on agronomic performance, selected genotypes were further assessed through station trials during 2019–2024, multilocation trials during 2022–2023 and farm trials during 2023–2024, using BR Hills local black turmeric as the check. The evaluation included morphological, yield-related and quality traits, with emphasis on fresh rhizome yield, dry recovery and essential oil content. CHNBT-1 showed consistently superior performance across evaluation stages. In station trials, it recorded a mean fresh rhizome yield of 10.04 t/ha compared with 5.68 t/ha in the check. In multilocation trials, CHNBT-1 recorded 11.98 t/ha compared with 6.69 t/ha in the check, while farm trials recorded 7.61 t/ha compared with 5.88 t/ha in the check. Overall, CHNBT-1 recorded 9.68 t/ha, representing a 62.68% higher yield than the check. The genotype also recorded 20.05% dry recovery and 0.60% essential oil content. CHNBT-1 was registered with ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, under Registration No. IC-0653069. The genotype may support black turmeric cultivation and contribute to conservation through field-based production.