Question:

Which of the following is a common method of propagation in turmeric?

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Treat turmeric rhizome bits with fungicides like mancozeb or carbendazim before planting.
This treatment prevents seed-borne diseases, particularly rhizome rot, which is caused by the fungus Pythium aphanidermatum.
  • Seed
  • Stem cuttings
  • Leaf cuttings
  • Rhizome bits
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an important herbaceous perennial rhizomatous crop belonging to the family Zingiberaceae.
It is valued for its underground modified stems, which are harvested for curcumin extraction and spice production.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Under commercial cultivation, turmeric is highly triploid and does not set viable seeds.
Therefore, sexual propagation through true seeds (A) is not commercially viable.
Similarly, turmeric plants do not produce aerial woody stems or suitable foliage for stem (B) or leaf (C) cuttings.
Instead, turmeric is vegetatively propagated using its modified underground stems, known as rhizomes.
For planting, growers use "rhizome bits" containing at least one or two active vegetative buds.
These bits can be either:
1. Mother rhizomes: The central, primary swollen part.
2. Finger rhizomes: The secondary branches arising from the mother rhizome.
Using healthy, disease-free rhizome bits of approximately 20 to 30 grams ensures successful sprouting and robust early vegetative growth.
Thus, rhizome bits are the standard propagation material for turmeric.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The common and standard method of propagation in turmeric is through rhizome bits.
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