Application of Chitin Improves Growth, Yield and Secondary Metabolite Production in Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

A field experiment was conducted in Trivandrum district during June 2021 to January 2022 to evaluate the effect of chitin on growth, yield and secondary metabolite production in turmeric. Soil application of chitin at 5 g per plant was done at 60 and 180 days after transplanting, while untreated plants served as control. Observations were recorded on effect of chitin on growth, defense enzymes, yield, secondary metabolites and disease incidence. Results of the study confirmed significant enhancement in growth, yield and secondary metabolite production on chitin application compared to the untreated control. Significant increase in shoot weight and rhizome weight was observed at six months after transplanting in response to chitin application. Fresh and dry rhizome yield per plant increased by 60.16% and 65.97% respectively, over the control. The defense enzyme activity and chlorophyll content were significantly higher in plants subjected to chitin application, compared to the control. Chitin treatment enhanced volatile oil and oleoresin content by 1.39 and 1.41 times and curcumin content by 21%, over the control. The results confirmed that chitin is a potent biostimulant that can be used for growth, yield and quality enhancement in turmeric.