Evaluation of the performance of ginger (zingiber officinale rosc.) germplasm in Kaduna state, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies were conducted in the wet season of 2018 to evaluate the performance of three ginger cultivars in five Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of three cultivars of ginger (UG1, UG2 and “China”) planted in five locations (Kafanchan in Jema’a LGA, Kagoro in Kaura LGA, Samaru in Zangon Kataf LGA, Kubatcha in Kagarko LGA and Kwoi in Jaba LGA). The results showed significant effects of location and cultivar on some of the parameters evaluated. The “China” cultivar at Kafanchan, Kubatcha and Kwoi as well as UG1 at Kubatcha produced statistically similar yields of ginger by dry weight (16.8t/ha, 21.7t/ha, 17.9t/ha and 19.6t/ha, respectively) which were significantly higher than the other interactions. The paper recommended that a further research should be conducted by or in collation with a Biochemist or Food Nutritionist to determine the pungency, aroma and oleoresin contents of the ginger cultivars to enable a good recommendation to ginger farmers in the study area.