Response of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) to Type of Rhizome and Planting Schedule under Varied Harvesting Schedules

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) productivity, quality, and profitability may respond to planting time, propagule type, and crop duration.  This field experiment was conducted during the 2022 turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cropping season (April-December) at Bhadiarkar Research Farm, CSKHPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three planting schedules (first fortnight of April, second fortnight of April, and first fortnight of May) and two types of rhizomes (mother rhizome and primary rhizome) as the main-plot factors, and three harvesting schedules (195, 210, and 225 DAP) as the subplot factor. Experimental data revealed that planting turmeric in the first fortnight of April significantly improved yield-attributing characteristics, fresh rhizome yield (168.4 q ha-1), dry rhizome yield (36.4 q ha-1), haulm yield (20.9 q ha-1), protein content (7.98 %) in the rhizome, and economic parameters. However, no significant influence on curcumin content was observed. Among the rhizome types, the mother rhizome recorded significantly higher yield-attributing characteristics, fresh rhizome yield (157.1 q ha-1), dry rhizome yield (34.0 q ha-1), haulm yield (19.6 q ha-1), curcumin content (3.27 %), protein content (7.94 %) in the rhizome, and economic parameters. Moreover, harvesting turmeric at 225 DAP recorded significantly better yield-attributing characteristics, fresh rhizome yield (159.8 q ha-1), dry rhizome yield (34.7 q ha-1), haulm yield (19.9 q ha-1), curcumin content (3.21 %), protein content (7.97 %) in the rhizome, and economic parameters. Hence, farmers in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh are advised to plant turmeric in the first fortnight of April using mother rhizomes and harvest it at 225 DAP for maximum returns.