Yield improvement in transplanted ginger by seed priming and foliar spray of chitosan Baby Ann Sneha1,*, Menon Jalaja S.2, Ashwini S1 1Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur-680656, Kerala, India 2Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur-680656, Kerala, India *Corresponding author e-mail: annsneha02@gmail.com
Online published on 29 June, 2023. Abstract Ginger is an important spice crop, esteemed for its aroma, pungency and medicinal properties. A dearth in availability of healthy and good quality planting material in ginger is well pronounced. Hence, a transplant technique utilizing rhizome bits has been proven to yield on par with conventional planting. In such cases, methods to improve vigour and growth of ginger plants, which could result in yield enhancement are highly desirable. The present study was conducted to find out the best priming treatment, optimum concentration of chitosan spray and a combination of both to improve the fresh rhizome yield in transplanted ginger. Results obtained from the study indicated that, seed rhizome priming and foliar application of chitosan was beneficial for improving the morpho-physiological characters and yield attributes in ginger. A combined application of priming and foliar sprays of chitosan was found more effective than the individual effect of priming and chitosan. Hence, combination of priming with Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g L−1 for 30 minutes or hydropriming for 1 hour, followed by foliar application of chitosan at a concentration of 5 g L−1 at monthly intervals can improve the fresh rhizome yield of ginger. Top Keywords Zingiber officinale, Priming techniques, Chitosan spray. Top |