Assessment of Morphological Diversity In (Cucuma longa L) Landraces Using DUS Descriptor

Abstract

Twelve genotypes of turmeric were characterized for 19 characters in the form of multistate scores given by DUS guidelines. The twelve genotypes were laid out in RCBD using three replications. The list of genotypes used was; Ajo (Igbaraodo), Turmeric Uromi, Atale (Yakooyo), kadi – Odo, Atale (Temidire), Red ginger Atale Kabba Market, Atale (Igbara odo), Uloko (Okobo), Atale pupa (Omifon), Red ginger (Yenegua)and Ege Apana The morphological characterization of genotypes helped in linking a character to a specific trait, with potential in utilization for trait-specific selection.  Data were analyzed using the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) of the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean value, standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV) and maximum and minimum values (summary statistics) for each character were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the mean data was performed using SPSS statistical software (SPSS version 16.6 for Windows, SPSS Inc. Chicago, USA). Results show that out of the nineteen descriptor traits used for this experiment, venation pattern, no of leaves on the main shoot, rhizome habit, lamina length, leaf colour on the dorsal side, no of mother rhizome and status of tertiary rhizome are good descriptor traits for characterizing turmeric landraces.