Collection and Development Studies of Certain <I>Curcuma</I> spp.

Abstract

Nine Curcuma spp. are collected from their local habitat; 2 species from Nakhon Rachasima Province, Kra-Geaw-Tha-Ang (Curcuma sessilis Gage) and Kra-Geaw-Soong-Nern (Curcuma sp.); 4 from Chaiya Phum Province, Kra-Geaw-Bua-Chai-Ya-Phum (C. alismatifolia Gagnep.), Kha-Min-Chan (C. domestica Valeton), Bua-Chan (Curcuma sp.) and Thep-Rum-Leuk (C. parviflora Wall.) and 3 from Mae Hong Son Province, Kra-Geaw-Som (C. roscoeana Wall.), Kra-Geaw-Daeng (Curcuma sp.) and Kha-Min-Oi (C. zedoaria Roscoe). One species is bought from Chatuchak Market, Bua-Go-Main (Curcuma sp.). It is found that they are different in size and shape of flower and pseudostem.

The cytological study shows that the chromosome numbers lie between 24-63. Three species from this study are reported for the first time i.e. Kra-Geaw-Daeng 2n = 42, Kra-Geaw-Tha-Ang 2n = 56 and Kra-Geaw-Soong-Nern 2n = 56. The study on esterase and peroxidase isozymes through the electrophoresis technique shows different isozyme pattern and esterase isozyme pattern can be used for identification among those Curcuma species.