Effect of chitosan on growth, yield and curcumin content in turmeric under field condition

Field experiments were conducted at the experimental field in Erode, TamilNadu to investigate the effect of foliar application of chitosan (a growth promoter) on growth, yield attributes and curcumin content of turmeric (Erode local). The chitosan (0.1%, w/v) was sprayed at a regular interval of 30 days up to 210 days. Results revealed that the growth parameters (shoot height, leaf number/plant, plant fresh weight) were increased with application of chitosan. Foliar application of chitosan induced the activity levels of defense enzymes such as protease inhibitors (PI), β-1,3 glucanases, peroxidases (PO) and polyphenol oxidases (PPO) in the leaves and rhizomes of turmeric plants. Chitosan treatment to turmeric plants results in high yield and curcumin content. The results suggest that chitosan can be used as an ecofriendly compound to induce defense responses as well as the growth and curcumin content of turmeric plants.