Yield and quality traits stability of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

Under traditional open-field cultivation, turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.) yield and quality are strongly influenced by genotype and environmental conditions, resulting in variability in productivity and phytochemical composition. Controlled greenhouse production offers an opportunity to minimize environmental fluctuations and enhance yield and quality predictability. In this study, 21 turmeric genotypes, representing diverse agro-ecological regions of India, were evaluated under greenhouse conditions over two consecutive years (2021–2023) to identify superior and stable genotypes for yield and quality traits. Significant genotypic variation was observed for fresh rhizome yield (378–1,014 g clump −1 ), dry recovery (15%–28%), oleoresin (3%–12%), essential oil (2%–9.5%), and curcuminoid content (0.7%–4.0%). IISR Pragati and NDH 8 were identified as high-yielding and stable genotypes, while Chhattisgarh Haldi 2 showed superior dry recovery. Waigon Turmeric exhibited consistently higher oleoresin and essential oil contents, and IISR Pragati demonstrated superior and stable curcuminoid content. GGE biplot analysis indicated that genotype and genotype × environment interaction contributed more to trait variation than the environment itself, reflecting the reduced environmental influence under greenhouse cultivation. Genotypes Roma, IISR Pratibha, and CO 3 emerged as consistent, balanced multi-trait ideotypes, while IISR Pragati and Waigon Turmeric exhibited superior performance for yield and quality traits, respectively, using MGIDI and FAI-BLUP models. These findings highlight that greenhouse cultivation combined with appropriate genotype selection can improve yield stability and quality consistency in turmeric, supporting informed selection of genotypes for commercial and industrial use. This study is the first to evaluate turmeric genotypes for yield and quality under controlled greenhouse conditions.