Formerly International Journal of Basic and Applied Agricultural Research

Performance of improved varieties of true Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl.) in Andaman Islands, India

AJIT ARUN WAMAN, POOJA BOHRA and R. KARTHIKA DEVI
Pantnagar Journal of Research, Volume - 18, Issue - 3 ( September-December, 2020)

Published: 2020-12-31

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Abstract


True cinnamon is an ancient, perennial spice grown for its sweet aromatic barks and is known to possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, cinnamon in trade is adulterated with barks of other species, some of which are known to have potentially harmful coumarins. The agro-climatic conditions of Andaman Islands are highly suitable for cultivation of this important spice. However, cinnamon is grown mostly in backyards, while few commercial plantations do exist in these islands. In order to promote cultivation of this spice, introduction of improved varieties is important and hence, morphological and biochemical studies were carried out in five improved varieties and Local check (control) in open condition. Results revealed considerable differences among the genotypes for morphological and biochemical parameters. Total chlorophyll content ranged between 0.67 and 1.08 mg/g, while variations were also noticed within the studied varieties for essential oil content (0.4- 2.0%), oleoresin content (7.8- 11.5%), leaf total phenolic content (18.7- 27.9 mg GAE/100g), bark total phenolic content (30.4- 60.3 mg GAE/ 100g), dry recovery of leaf (46.5- 66.7%), leaf moisture content (46.2- 58.6%) and dry recovery of bark (31.31- 45.92%). Variety Konkan Tej was found to be superior for cultivation under open condition in Bay Islands. Considering performance of 'Local' collection for leaf morphological parameters, bark recovery (%) and dry bark yield, seedling progenies in the islands could be utilized for identification of superior genotypes.


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