Influence of varieties, dates of planting, spacing and nitrogen levies on growth, yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Abstract

A study was conducted for 2 years indicated that variety 'BSR 2' out yielded 'BSR 1'. On an average 5.75 tonnes/ha of dry yield was recorded by 'BSR 2' which was 11.7% higher than 'BSR 1'. Early planting at 15 May gave more growth, yield and better quality. The dry recovery of 15 May planted crop was 18.4 and 18.7% that was higher by 12.9 and 20.3% during first year and 11.3 and 27.2% in second year than 15 June and 15 July planted crops respectively. Similarly, the curcumin content of 15 May planted crop was 4.0% in both the years was higher by 8.1 and 29.0% in first year and 5.3 and 25.0% in second year than late plantings, i e 15 June and 15 July respectively. Closer planting gave more yield by 9.1 and 33.6% in first year and 11.5 and 30% higher in the second year than the medium and wider spacings respectively however, spacing did not influence the quality, i e dry recovery and curcumin content. Higher dose of N gave dry yield of 5.7 tonnes/ha and 6.3 tonnes/ha in first and second years respectively which was more than yield recorded in lower levels on N and N levels had no conspicuous effect on quality as that of spacing.