Genetic diversity in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is one the best known among various taxa of economic, medicinal (anti-cancerous, healing, blood purifier properties), ornamental and cultural importance of the genus Curcuma. India and Thailand with at least 40 species in each area have the highest diversity. Genetic variability in a population can be partitioned into heritable and non-heritable variation with the aid of genetic parameters such as variance, genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance, which serve as a basis for selection of some outstanding genotypes from existing ones. Cluster analysis have proved to be effective methods in grouping turmeric accessions that may facilitate effective utilization of the accession in crop improvement programmes through selection, as conventional breeding is difficult in this crop. Moreover, correlation and path analysis of morphological traits indicated importance of desirable traits for strengthening the turmeric breeding programme for higher rhizome yield.