Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes

The investigation was undertaken on nineteen genotypes of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) with a view to assess the genetic parameters in respect of yield and yield determining characters. The highest percentage of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed in number of tillers, leaf area, number of secondary rhizomes, length of mother rhizome, fresh weight of rhizome per plant, dry weight of rhizome per plant, yield per plot, estimated yield per ha, curcumin content, and oleoresin content. High heritability was observed for plant height (92), number of tillers (63), leaf length (89), leaf width (63), leaf area (99), number of secondary rhizomes (91), length of mother rhizome (88), fresh weight of rhizome per plant (97), dry weight of rhizome per plant (87), duration of the crop (95), dry recovery of rhizome (89), curcumin content (91), oleoresin content (92) indicating that these characters are important in crop improvement. Highest estimates of heritability observed for Leaf area (99) and Fresh weight of rhizome per plant (97), could be utilized for the improvement of fresh turmeric yield through clonal selection.