Joseph Louis creator Jayachandran B K (Guide) text xx Vellayani Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture 2000 9999 monographic und

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A field experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period from 1998-' 99 to study the effect of shade on photosynthetic efficiency, partitioning of photosynthates and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) under different shade levels. The experiment was laid out as split plot design with shade levels of 0, 25, 50 and 75 per cent as main plot treatments and 3 varieties, Kanthi, Alleppey and Sobha as sub plot treatments. The number of replications was four. Artificial shade was provided using high density polyethylene shade nets and calibrated using quantum photosensors. Bimonthly observations of various growth parameters were taken from two months after planting. At s.ix months after planting photosynthetic related parame!ers were recorded. The various growth parameters like number of tillers, dry matter production, crop growth rate, bulking rate and harvest index which contributed to yield was highest under 25 per cent shade. The yield recorded at 25 per cent shade was significantly superior when compared to open, indicating the shade tolerance of the crop. Different shade levels influenced the quality of turmeric rhizomes as determined by the volatile oil content which was maximum under 75 2 per cent shade level and curcumin content was maximum under 50 per cent shade level. The photosynthetic rate and related parameters like leaf temperature, leaf internal CO2 concentration and stomatal conductance of' turmeric were measured at 6 MAP using leaf chamber analyser. Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) on leaf surface, stomatal conductance, leaf internal CO2 concentration and leaf temperature was high .under open condition. Photosynthetic rate was maximum in plants grown at open condition. Though at 25 per cent shade, the photosynthetic rate was less, the yield was high at this shade level when compared to the open condition. Under open condition there is a possibility of an increase in photo-oxi dation I photo-respiration resulting in the inefficient translocation of photosynthates from the source to the sink. The results indicate that low levels of shade is favourable for growing turmeric to get high rhizome yield and this specific nature of turmeric can be. fully exploited for growing this as an intercrop or as a crop component in homesteads. MSc 635 JOS/PH http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810104997 http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810104997 140128 20220829152317.0