Morphogenetic and Yield Analysis of Selected Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Accessions in Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the morphological attributes, yield performance, and genetic variability of selected turmeric accessions at Obio Akpa, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted during the 2024 and 2025 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Eight turmeric genotypes, namely Temidu, Domestica, Xanthorizae, Ataile, Ege, Yakooya, Atele, and Kaba, were evaluated for growth, yield, and genetic parameters. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, leaf area, tillering capacity, number of rhizome fingers, rhizome length, rhizome size, and rhizome yield. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the genotypes for all measured traits, indicating substantial phenotypic variability. Xanthorizae exhibited the greatest vegetative growth, with the highest plant height (105.80 cm), stem girth (12.40 cm), and leaf area (612.10 cm²), whereas Temidu recorded the highest numbers of tillers (10.03) and rhizome fingers (63.73). Domestica produced the highest rhizome yield (6.20 kg/plot), followed by Yakooya (5.73 kg/plot) and Xanthorizae (5.67 kg/plot), indicating their agronomic potential under the environmental conditions of Akwa Ibom State. Genetic component analysis revealed high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for rhizome yield, leaf area, and number of tillers, indicating considerable genetic variability among the accessions. High heritability estimates, coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) for most traits, indicated the predominance of additive gene action and the potential effectiveness of selection for improving these characters. The close relationship between morphological performance and genetic parameters further indicated the potential value of integrating phenotypic and genetic evaluations into turmeric improvement programmes. Therefore, Domestica, Yakooya, and Xanthorizae were considered the most promising genotypes in terms of yield and suitability for commercial cultivation.