Morphological characterization of unique genotypes of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

Morphological characterization of unique genotypes of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

Authors

  • S. C. Priyanka College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University
  • N. Miniraj College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University

Keywords:

Cluster fruited nutmeg, Double seeded nutmeg, Monoecious nutmeg, Myristica fragrans, Seedless nutmeg, Unique accessions, Yellow mace nutmeg

Abstract

Twenty one unique accessions of nutmeg possessing 13 distinct characters were identified and collected through an extensive survey carried out in the nutmeg growing tracts of Kerala. These unique genotypes along with the two improved accessions were subjected to morphological characterization. As a deviation from the normal nutmeg, some unique types such as yellow maced nutmeg, double seeded nutmeg, cluster fruited nutmeg, monoecious, wild and grape nutmegs were identified in the study. All these accessions were characterized using seven qualitative and fourteen quantitative traits. Twenty three accessions were grouped into 12 clusters at 60% similarity. A concept diagram was developed for utilizing these uniqueaccessions. Yellow maced accessions (YL-1 and YL-2) can be directly utilized for yellow colour, as they fetch premium price in the market. Double seeded accession (DS-1) had the highest dry nut weight andkernel weight. Seedless nutmeg accession (SL-1) possessed highest fresh mace weight. Wild nutmeg (M. malabarica) possessed fruits which were large, having brown velvety rind with yellowish orange coloured mace. Cluster fruited accession (CF-1) was the best accession among all the unique nutmeg accessions, possessing all the desirable features of an elite nutmeg genotype. All the unique accessions are worthy of conservation.

Author Biographies

S. C. Priyanka, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University

Department of Plantation Crops and Spices PG Student

N. Miniraj, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University

Department of Plantation Crops and Spices Professor

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Published

31-03-2017

How to Cite

Priyanka, S. C., & Miniraj, N. (2017). Morphological characterization of unique genotypes of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.). Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 54(2), 120. Retrieved from https://jtropag.kau.in/index.php/ojs2/article/view/403

Issue

Section

Regular papers

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