Abstract

The investigation was undertaken during the year of kharif seasons 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Shaheed Gundadhoor College of Agriculture and Research Station (IGKV) Kumhrawand, Jagdalpur, Bastar (C.G.) India. Twenty indigenous genotypes of Tikhur (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.) collected from thirteen districts of Chhattisgarh viz., Bastar, Korba, Dhamtari, Rajnandgaon, Surguja, Jashpur, Korea, Bilaspur, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Kanker, Dantewada and Bijapur during March to June 2010. The experiment was aimed at collection, characterization and evaluation of 20 indigenous genotypes of Tikhur. The mean and range are estimated during characterization of 20 genotypes. The highest tall plant (115.70 cm), leaf length (53.78 cm), leaf breadth (20.92 cm), basal diameter of sucker in two directions (3.08 cm), leaf sheath length (49.86 cm) and maximum breath of lamina (12.34 cm) was recorded in genotype IGDMT-10-1. Maximum number of leaves per plant 18.97 and number of suckers in a clone (5.10) was recorded in genotype IGKOT-10-1. Maximum petiole length 21.70 cm was recorded in genotype IGSJT-10-1. The flowering was observed only in 14 genotypes out of 20 and fruit setting was absent. Highest frequency of colour of coma bracts (78.57%) was observed for pink tint. The genotypes IGKNT-10-1 took less time (160 days) for maturity as compared among 20 genotypes. The highest rhizomes yield (30.32 t/ha) and highest starch recovery (16.57%) was recorded in genotype IGSJT-10-2. Tasteless, fine and white colour of starch was observed from all 20 genotypes. The highest protein content (0.945%) in starch recorded in genotype IGSJT-10-4. Characterization of genotypes provided the information on morphological agronomic and biochemical aspects of the material that is essential for gene bank management and conservation of the Tikhur (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.).

Key words: Tikhur, Curcuma angustifolia Roxb., collection, characterization, rhizome yield, starch recovery.