Impact of Gamma Rays on Turmeric Crop (Curcuma longa L.)

Experiments were carried out during 2000-2003 at the Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to assess the impact of gamma irradiation on days to maturity, yield and curing per cent in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with two replications. Three genotypes namely, Salem Local - G₁ (CL144), Alleppy finger turmeric - G2 (CL146) and PTS 43 - G₃ (CL147) were treated with seven doses of gamma rays (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 kR) along with control. The plants matured earlier and yield per plant and curing percentage improved at 2.0 kR, followed by 2.5 kR, whereas, higher doses of gamma rays had a negative effect on yield and curing percentage and these higher doses prolonged maturity. Among the genotypes used, G₁ (CL144) was found to show a good response to gamma irradiation.