Determination and Selection of Some Agronomic and Biochemical Characteristics of Different Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Genotypes

Curcuma longa L., which is known as turmeric, is a plant species belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. Turmeric is generally grown in Asian countries. It is used in many sectors, especially in spice production. Local varieties are generally used in the production of turmeric, whose import value is increasing worldwide. There is a need for commercial varieties that are adapted to different regions. This study was carried out to develop varieties that are productive and high in curcumin, adaptable to subtropical climate conditions. As study material, 152 different genotypes found in the gene pool created in the Western Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute were used. In the study, morphological characteristics, yield and quality values of different genotypes were determined. The highest fresh weight was obtained from genotype number 130. Selection was made from the gene pool in order to examine more parameters and include them in repeated trials. The genotypes selected in the first selection were high yielding (> 870.00 g plant⁻¹): 60-63-73-99-103-107-115-117-124-141-143-144-145-147-130. Tillering number varied between 2.00 and 6.33, while the thickest stem thickness was measured in genotype 63-3. Average fresh yield values in the study were found between 782.91 and 1009.50 g plant⁻¹. The fresh weight of the genotypes in the gene pool varied between 31.00 and 1240.00 g plant⁻¹. Among the 16 selected high-yielding genotypes, the longest plant height was measured in genotype number 60-2. The highest average phenolic substance amount was detected in the 145-14 genotype. Curcumin ratio varied between 2.41% and 53%. An application was made to Variety Registration and Seed Certification Center (TTSM) to register the genotype numbered 130-16, which is above the average yield value and has the highest curcumin content, under the trade name ‘Zerdesena’ and it was registered.