Strategies to Reduce Radiation Stress in Open-Field Ginger and Turmeric Production

Abstract

Excess solar radiation can negatively affect growth and rhizome yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) plants. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 60% shade nets (Experiment 1) as well as white and red kaolin sprays during two production stages (early establishment vs. entire cycle) (Experiment 2) on field-grown ginger and turmeric plants. In Experiment 1, plants were propagated from seed rhizomes (R) or second-generation rhizomes from tissue-cultured plants (2GR), while only R were used in Experiment 2. There were no differences in rhizome yield in response to shade in Experiment 1, with mean values of 644 and 692 g in ginger and turmeric, respectively. Overall, 2GR ginger plants produced a higher rhizome yield (880 g) than R plants (425 g), but no yield differences were measured in turmeric. In Experiment 2, for both species and regardless of kaolin color, sprays applied during the entire cycle increased photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and reduced leaf temperature and transpiration compared to control. Rhizome yield was also up to 87% higher in ginger and 47% higher in turmeric plants sprayed with kaolin. Spraying plants with white kaolin during the early season establishment of these crops can be an effective strategy to reduce radiation stress for open-field production.

End report: Seed Money Project 2023 : sustainable cultivation of ginger and turmeric in greenhouse in India

“…Another proposition in [22] is the use of Kaolin spray on the plant surface (as an alternative to shade nets).…”

Genotypic and Environmental Influence on Fresh Rhizome Yield of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

“…For example, imports into the United States have increased over 5-fold between 2012 and 2021, from 11.53 million to 62.74 million [5] Although India has been and remains the largest producer and exporter of turmeric, there has been a push to expand turmeric production well beyond South and Southeast Asia. In the southern continental U.S., it has been shown that genotypic and environmental factors can interact to affect yield [6][7][8]. Agroecological approaches to turmeric production in these areas is especially important given that turmeric is a tropical crop and would need to be intensely managed to mitigate both supra-and sub-optimal temperatures and daylengths its normal range of production [9].…”

“…Despite the promising experimental success of shading, daylength modification and other environmental manipulation for the improved production of turmeric [6][7][8][9], the component of the agroecosystem that producers have perhaps the most control over is the selection of genotype. Of course, this assumes that a diverse pool of germplasm is available.…”