Micro-environment and physiology of turmeric cultivated under poplar tree canopy

Abstract

The micro-environmental modification under poplar tree canopy and resultant effect on physiology and yield of turmeric grown under poplar canopy was investigated. Significant variations were observed in micro environmental and physiological parameters of turmeric crop under one and two year old plantations. The tree canopies had major influence on photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), humidity and air temperature. The light inception was higher in two year old poplar than one year old. The average air temperature under the canopy was lower than in open area, whereas, it was reverse for relative humidity. The physiological parameters of turmeric, the net photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency and carboxylation efficiency were influenced significantly under poplar canopy than open conditions and higher values were recorded for all the physiological parameters in tree-less plot whereas, crops under two year old canopy recorded the least values. The yield reduction (14.65%) was significantly more in the turmeric grown under two year old poplar and it was 11.33% under one year old plantation. The growth and development of turmeric under poplar canopy was strongly controlled by PAR.