A Scientific Study on Genetic Variability of Mango Ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) in Kerala State of India

Curcuma amada Roxb., popularly known as mango ginger is important as a spice and a source of
starch. The rhizomes are carminative and stomachic and are used in the preparation of salads and
chutneys. The present study is an investigation in to the genetic variability of the species in the state
with reference to the morphological growth and yield characters. The study has shown that the
genetic base of the species in the state is currently sound. However, since the farming patterns are
changing and household farming is declining, care should be taken to see that the natural as well as
traditionally cultivated populations of mango ginger are protected and mango ginger cultivation and its
utilization are augmented so that its genetic diversity is protected and the nutritional and medicinal
properties fully exploited.