Source: ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY submitted to
ESTABLISHMENT OF TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA) AS A HIGH VALUE MEDICINAL CROP TO SUSTAIN SMALL FARMS IN ALABAMA
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1008952
Grant No.
2016-68006-24785
Project No.
ALAX-ALAX 011-2515
Proposal No.
2015-07594
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
A1601
Project Start Date
Feb 1, 2016
Project End Date
Jan 31, 2021
Grant Year
2016
Project Director
Mentreddy, S.
Recipient Organization
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
4900 MERIDIAN STREET
NORMAL,AL 35762
Performing Department
IRPSP
Non Technical Summary
The project goal is to provide small and mid-sized farm owners a new niche-market high cash value medicinal crop with a ready market to diversify cropping, spread risk and achieve sustainability. Due to recent inconsistencies associated with quality and production methods of imported raw materials, US herbal products manufacturers are seeking for domestically-produced materials that meet their standards and requirements. One such crop is turmeric (Curcuma longa), known for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-Alzheimer's disease uses among many others. Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, with assistance from a herbal industry specialist, have leveraged their resources to develop turmeric for commercial production in Alabama. Our 4-year studies showed that this crop is adaptable to Alabama, but there is a need for a high curcumin [bioactive compound in turmeric] containing variety. Towards this end, we propose to i) screen several turmeric accessions for growth, development, yield and curcumin levels; ii) develop best agricultural practices for varieties selected for desirable traits; iii) perform enterprise budget analyses and market assessments to provide effective marketing strategies for fresh turmeric products; and iv) educate small- and medium-sized farm owners and extension service providers on turmeric crop production and best management practices, post-harvest handling, and marketing. A measurable outcome of this project is the availability of a new, high value, medicinal crop with a ready market for small and mid-sized farm owners. Organically grown, medicinal plants help conserve soil moisture, sustain soil and crop productivity. Thus, this project is has a multidisciplinary approach and supports NIFA's Program Area - Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities, and Program Priority Area - Small and Medium-Sized Farms.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
25%
Applied
50%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2042235102075%
6012220301025%
Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest);

Subject Of Investigation
2220 - Medicinal crops, non-narcotic; 2235 - Herbs and spices;

Field Of Science
3010 - Economics; 1020 - Physiology;
Goals / Objectives
The goal of this project is to provide small- and mid-sized farm owners with a high-value crop for a ready market to help them diversify cropping, spread risk and achieve sustainability. The objectives of the project are to i) screen several turmeric accessions for growth, development, yield and curcumin levels; ii) develop best agricultural practices for varieties selected for desirable traits; iii) perform enterprise budget analyses and market assessments to provide effective marketing strategies for fresh turmeric produce; and iv) educate small- and medium-sized farm owners and extension service providers on turmeric crop production and best management practices, post-harvest handling, and marketing.
Project Methods
Activities and MethodsObjective 1: In early spring of each year, rhizomes of germplasm lines will be subject to heat pad treatment to hasten sprouting and growth of shoots from rhizomes. The plants will be potted and transplanted on to raised beds in open fields and high tunnels in the late spring of each year. In year 1, single row plot experiments using 20 to 25 elite germplasm lines obtained from two research stations in India and will be carried out at AU and AAMU. The initial 25 genotypes will be reduced to about 10 in year 2, and 3-5 in year 3. In years, 2 and 3 replicated variety trials will be carried out at the university research stations located in the North, Central, and South Alabama. Plots will consist of 6 plants, of which the central 4 plants will be harvested for yield and curcumin determination. Plots will be mulched (with plastic sheeting at AAMU and with straw at AU locations) to minimize weed competition. The plants will receive organic fertilizer through drip irrigation. At harvest, the central plants will be dug up, rinsed and the rhizomes broken apart, cleaned and air dried overnight. The next day, the rhizomes will be separated into mother and lateral rhizomes and weighed separately. Representative samples of mother and lateral rhizomes will be weighed separately, sliced, and dried in a forced-air dryer at 45°C until weights have stabilized over 3 days. The samples will then be weighed again for moisture determination and ground for curcumin analysis. All accessions grown at the three locations in all 4 years will be profiled for curcuminoids and curcumin concentrations and elemental chemical composition of the rhizomes (particularly heavy metal concentrations). Extraction of Curcuminoids: Curcuminoids will be extracted from turmeric using the method described by Li et al (Li et al, 2011). Ground turmeric will be extracted by shaking with 70% ethanol at room temperature for 18 h using solvent: material weight of 10:1. The residue will be further concentrated using a high vacuum evaporator. The extract yield will be calculated based on dry mass of turmeric.HPLC Analysis: Analysis and quantification of turmeric extracts will be performed using an Agilent HPLC system equipped with a C18 column. Separation of curcuminoids will be carried out using a linear gradient of acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min with UV detection at 230 and 425 nm (Li et al, 2011). Curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin standards will be obtained from Sigma-Aldrich for the preparation of standard curves. Quantification of curcuminoids will be based on the peak area of the standard curves.Elemental composition and heavy metals: Fresh rhizomes collected from the various experiment sites will be divided into three parts. One part will be kept fresh, one part will be dried at 35°C, and the remainder will be dried at 80°C for 12 hours. All the samples will be subjected to hydro-distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus for four hours, and the distillates will be identified using GC/MS analysis for the oils present.Wet digestion of the samples will be carried out using analytical-grade concentrated nitric acid in a MARS XPRESS 5 CEM microwave digester following the EPA protocol for plant tissues- power and time being adjusted based on the number of samples. A representative plant sample (0.5g) will be digested using 5ml trace metal grade concentrated nitric acid in a polymeric pressure relief vessel. The samples will be analyzed for a range of elements, particularly heavy metals, using the inductively coupled plasma Perkin Elmer ICP-OES by the modified procedure as described in Hanns (1984).Objective 2: In years, 2 and 3, three accessions selected for a combination of high yield and curcumin levels will be planted in replicated plots to determine their response to agronomic treatments, 3 planting dates at monthly intervals beginning mid-April and 3 spacings of: i)90x 10 cm; ii) 90x 20 cm; and iii) 90x 30 cm at Alabama A&M. Plots will be arranged in a split-split plot design with planting dates as main plot treatments, spacing as sub-plots and the three accessions as sub-sub-plots. In Year 3, a half-day meeting for growers interested in participating in the on-farm turmeric trials will be held in the first half of the year and will focus on growing requirements, expectations of industry, potential markets for fresh and dried crops, and what will be provided to the growers for planting, etc.All data from all locations will be analyzed to determine G x E interactions, stability analyses and yield contributing variable.Objective 3: Both on-farm and university research experiments will be used for developing Turmeric production costs, enterprise budgets, and a Marketing Plan for fresh market sales will be developed based on data from on-farm and university trials. Market information will be gathered and provided to help farmers better understand market needs and opportunities. Crop enterprise budgets will be developed to assist growers in choosing crop management practices based upon market demand and profitability and to guide them in making decisions based upon sound economic criteria. In order to achieve these objectives the investigators will: 1) assemble data from published sources, as well as information elicited from wholesale buyers, to establish demand, prices and quality standards; 2) analyze empirical data from field and greenhouse production units to develop estimates of yields, costs of production, scale economies, expected revenues, and risk due to variability in these factors; 3) assess the market potential for on-farm, local, regional and national sales and organize this into a Marketing Plan for Alabama turmeric. All this information will then be used to develop strategies for commercializing turmeric products, including initiatives to build cooperation among small-scale growers and to raise product awareness among prospective buyers.Objective 4: In year 4, a one-day training workshop will be conducted at a location convenient for growers. At this workshop, farmers and extension service providers will be educated on the cultivation of turmeric, best management practices, and chemistry and potential uses in various industries such as herbal products, cosmetics, culinary, and ornamental. Further, the outcomes of this project will be disseminated by organizing demonstrations, training workshops, field days, and site tours. Also, extension educational materials such as TechNotes, fact sheets, research highlights, and extension bulletins will be developed and disseminated to small and medium-sized farmers and landowners and extension professionals. These materials will also be made available to the public through the websites of the Universities, eXtensionAlabama Ethnic Foods Security Network and the Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network. Growers will receive support and training in production and post-harvest handling and quality control methods, marketing of crops to buyers of fresh and dried products. A training manual will be also prepared with sections on production, harvest and post-harvest handling, quality control, and marketing options/strategies for fresh and dried markets.Training workshop will be conducted to educate farmers and extension service providers on the cultivation of turmeric, best management practices, and chemistry and potential herbal, culinary and industrial uses. All data from all locations will be analyzed to determine G x E interactions, stability analyses and yield contributing variable.Both on-farm and university research experiments will be used for developing Turmeric production costs, enterprise budgets, and a Marketing Plan for fresh market sales will be developed based on data from on-farm and university trials.

Progress 02/01/16 to 01/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project is mainly farmers and extension service professionals; students, and community members interested in herbal plants. Several students from the university and high schools visited the research plots. A few farmers from southern Alabama and Tennessee interested in participating in on-farm trials visited the plots. In keeping with project activities in the project narrative, a one-day workshop was held at Auburn University attended by about 35 farmers and four extension service professionals. The project PI and co-PIs from Auburn University, Rutgers University, and one Industry consultant discussed turmeric production, importance, production economics, and marketing. A survey was conducted to assess farmers' perspectives of this crop. About 18 farmers signed for conducting on-farm trials on their farms in summer 2019. Changes/Problems:Due to COVID-related lockdown and later restricted access to the university facilities, the curcuminoid, and elemental analyses could not be accomplished for 2019 trials. Also, the large educational workshopcould not be held at the end of the project period for the same reasons. many farmers are not available or do not prefer a remote workshop. One Ph.D. student is planning on graduating in Spring 2022 with a part of this project research towards his dissertation research. Five papers are being prepared for publication in peer-reviewed journal papers. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two undergraduate students and two graduate students were trained in this project. The graduate student learned research methods, post-harvest processing and graduated with a degree in MS in plant and soil science with MS thesis research on turmeric from AAMU and one from AU. One Ph.D. student is completing the degree with research on turmeric-based in part on this project. Thirty farmers from across Alabama learned about turmeric production, harvesting, post-harvest processing, storage, and marketing. Nine farmers learned how to grow, manage, harvest, and process for the markets through hands-on experiential learning methods. Several student groups and farmers toured turmeric research plots and learned about the value of turmeric as an emerging herbal supplement crop. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Project Director, Dr. Mentreddy attended the PDs conference held in Virginia Beach by NIFA and presented the objectives, scope and potential of this project. The importance of turmeric as an ethnobotanical crop in Alabama was presented to a group of farmers at the Annual Conference of the Alabama Medicinal plants Growers Conference in Auburn, AL. Eleven conference proceedings papers and one journal article were published. At least three journal articles are in preparation. Through presentations at Farmer meetings, Alabama Medicinal Plants Growers Association Spring meeting, and Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Meeting. Presentations of research results at professional meetings Graduate student poster presentations at Science Fairs. Student groups and farmers were given tours of turmeric research at Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. About 30 farmers and four or five extension service agents and students attended a turmeric production workshop and gained knowledge of this crop What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In keeping with Objective 1, fourteen genotypes ofCurcuma longa, C.arruginosa, C. amada,andC. zadoariaat AU and HL and fifteen genotypes at AAMU were assessed for rhizome yield, elemental, and curcumin content in replicated field trials at three locations, Alabama A&M University Research Station in north Alabama (AAMU), Auburn University in east-central Alabama (AU), and Headland's research Station in south Alabama (HL) from 2016 through 2019. Yields are expressed in Kg/ha dry weight at 10% moisture content. Both mother and lateral rhizomes were dried and ground for determining elemental and curcuminoids, desmethoxy, besdemethoxy, and curcumin. The essential oil content and composition were determined for five selected genotypes. Based on their yield and curcumin content across locations and years, five genotypes CA1, CL9, CL3, CL5, and CL10, were selected for on-farm trials across Alabama in 2019. There was muchgenotypic and yearly variation for rhizome yields and curcumin content. The total rhizome yields ranged from 1300 (CL5) at AAMU to 6,600 kg/ha (CL2), followed by CL7 with 5100 kg/ha at AU.CL7 ranked the highest yielding variety across locations but was also the lowest curcumin containing.The total curcumin content of the turmeric genotypes ranged from 0.3% (CL2) to 3.6% (CL9) at AAMU.Genotype CL9 had significantly higher curcumin concentration in mother (6.35%) and lateral rhizomes (4.67 %) than other genotypes at AU in 2018. Rhizome yields and curcumin content were higher at all three locations in 2018. CL9 and CA1 were the highest curcumin-yielding varieties in AL. C. zadoariagenotypes did not have any curcuminoids. Mother rhizomes had higher curcumin content than laterals, but laterals generally had a higher rhizome yield than mother rhizomes. Among curcuminoids, curcumin was significantly higher than besdemethoxy and desmethoxy curcumins. Heavy metals were not present in any genotypes but the percentage K, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Ca varied with genotypes and year. Almost all genotypes had a higher concentration of K followed by Ca. The study showed that high rhizome yield combined with high curcumin levels up to greater than 6% is possible in Alabama.Five genotypes,CA1, CL9, CL3, CL5, and CL10 were selected for superior growth, yield, and curcumin levels for potential commercial production in Alabama. Objective ii) develop best agricultural practices for varieties selected for desirable traits:Two experiments were conducted to determine i) the type and level of organic manure; and ii) optimal spacing for planting turmeric. Experiment 1. Response of three genotypes to levels of organic manures, cow manure, chicken manure, and vermicompost.The mean number of shoots per pant varied between 9 per plant in Control to 17/plant in cow manure at 3 t/ha treatment. The mean total yield was 987, 1026, and 1145 g/plant in the vermicompost, cow manure, and chicken manure treatments, respectively, compared to 204 g/plant in the Control treatment. Cow or chicken manure appeared to be better than vermicompost. The rhizome yields increased proportionately with the rate of application of manures. Experiment 2. Optimal plant population density:In this trial, The yield increased with density. Thus, the dry rhizome yield was 1990, 1890, and 925 g/plant at 7, 5, and 3 plants/2-foot row. Thus, increasing the plant population to five or seven plants per 2-foot-row almost doubled the yields compared to 3 plants per 2-foot row treatment. Objective iii)perform enterprise budget analyses and market assessments to provide effective marketing strategies for fresh turmeric produce: A survey instrument was developed for eliciting appropriate information from farmers growing turmeric lines provided to them as part of this project developed a crop budget for turmeric production, based on the field data as well assecondary data. Due to the low response rate and missing data, the reliability of the data is low.Secondary data on markets for turmeric was assembled and organized from the database in the Agricultural Marketing Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. Specifically, custom reports were generated documenting weekly prices of fresh turmeric in the United States. A producer survey was administered to current and potential turmeric producers to assess the status of turmeric production in Alabama.The producers mostly had their farms in rural areas (80%), identified as male (60%), were between the ages of 51-65 (35.71%), possessed an undergraduate degree (71.43%), and identified as part of a minority group (53.33%). For a large majority, 66.67%, farming was not their primary source of income. Of most participants, 93.75% were from Alabama. The total acreage of the producers was relatively small, with 75% of the farms less than 100 acres. Organic production was limited to 25% of the population surveyed. Most producers, 75%, either did not answer total units of turmeric produced or did not produce any at the survey point. The average price for fresh turmeric ranged between $7-14 per pound but was most common between $10-12 per pound. Training from agricultural extension services had the most significant room for improvement as 87.5% of the producers did not have any training from these services. Extension agents were also the most preferred information source for the future. Pricing, labor, and marketing were reported as the most significant obstacles to expanding turmeric production in Alabama. Objective iv) Educate small- and medium-sized farm owners and extension service providers on turmeric crop production and best management practices, post-harvest handling, and marketing.In April 2019, a one-day workshop was held at Auburn University for about 35 farmers interested in growing turmeric for commercial purposes. The project PI and co-PIs gave informative talks on turmeric crops, production practices, post-harvest handling and storage, and marketing. A survey was conducted to seek details about the farmer and farming, interests in turmeric production, and future plans. Twenty-four farmers indicated an interest in participating in on-farm trials. In October 2018, the PI and co-PIs visited the twenty-four farms and shortlisted about 18 farms to grow turmeric for commercial purposes over the long term. The learning mode was hands-on experiential learning by growing turmeric with guidance from the project PI and Co-PIs. The participating farmers were given a field layout for producing five varieties (CA1, CL3, CL5, CL9 & CL10) turmeric production guide and a detailed manual for planting, managing, recording yield data, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Additionally, the farmers had direct access to members of the project team via mobile phones and email. Nine farmers successfully grew and harvested the crop. These farmers were surveyed for their experience and preference for turmeric genotypes provided to them.Field problems included weeds, wind damage, drought, and deer. Nothing unique to turmeric.A majority felt that there were no major insect and disease problems. CL9 and CA1 ranked highest for yield, followed by CL5; however, differences were minor.The growers preferred ginger or pepper aroma. CL10 was considered best for juice and CA1for infusions. Everyone agreed that color (deep red to orange) and size are essential for the market. All five varieties have their proponents. In part, this may be based on how the crop is consumed and marketed and the perceived performance on their farms. Assessment of individual varieties for consumption and marketing is complex because there is so much variability in rhizome color and appearance within individual plants so that individual rhizomes from the same plant differ in size, color, and other characteristics. This suggests that growers require more experience with the varieties to assess them better. It is not advisable to select a single variety for promotion.?

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Setzer, W.N.; Duong, L.; Poudel, A.; Mentreddy, S.R. Variation in the Chemical Composition of Five Varieties of Curcuma longa Rhizome Essential Oils Cultivated in North Alabama. Foods 2021, 10, 212. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020212
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Mentreddy, S.R., Lam Duong, L. Nyochembeng. E. Cebert, R. Gott, and K. G. Xu. 2020. Low Temperature Atmospheric Plasma Effects on Sprouting and Plant Growth of Turmeric (Curcuma spp.) Rhizomes in the Greenhouse and the Field. 3rd International Workshop on Plasma Agriculture. Greifswald, Germany. Mar 1  4, 2021.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Ramu Govindasamy, Alexandra Kelly, Jackie Greenfield, Mentreddy Rao, Lam Duong, Dennis Shannon, and Tia Gonzales. 2021. Marketing Fresh Turmeric in the United States: A Producer Perspective. The 10th Annual Conference of ACMAP, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ., June 27-27, 2021
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy, Lam Duong, Ryan Gott., and G. Xu. 2021. Low-temperature atmospheric plasma: A potential tool for promoting sprouting of turmeric rhizomes and plant growth. The 10th Annual Conference of ACMAP, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ., June 27-27, 2021
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy, Lam Duong, and William Setzer. 2021. Variation in the essential oil composition of turmeric varieties grown in North Alabama, USA. Annual Conference of Food Chemistry and Technology, Nov 8-10, 2021, Paris, France.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2021 Citation: Keonna Hunter, S.R. Mentreddy, D. Shannon, R. Thillini, and K. Bhat. 2021. Evaluation of turmeric (Cucuma longa) for production potential in Alabama. HortScience
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2021 Citation: Shanheng Shi, Dennis A. Shannon, Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy, Thilini Ranatunga, Kamala Bhat, Kathy Lawrence, Wheeler G. Foshee, Alvaro Sanz-Saez. 2021. Assessment of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Varieties for Curcumin Content and Yield in Alabama. Crop Science.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Govindasamy, R., A. Kelly, J. Greenfield, M. Rao, D. Shannon, T. Gonzales, and L. Duong. Assessing The Status Of Turmeric Production In The United States: A Baseline Producer Survey. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Report, December 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Keonna Hunter, Rao Mentreddy, Thilini Ranatunga, Kamala Bhat, and Brian Thomas. 2017. Turmeric: A potential high-value medicinal crop. 8th Annual Conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants. June 26-29, 2017. Clemson University, SC
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rao Mentreddy, Thilini Ranatunga, Kamala Bhat, Brian Thomas, and Keonna Hunter. 2017. Yield, Curcumin, and Elemental Content of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Rhizomes Grown in Alabama. Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science. September 19-22, 2017. Big Island, HI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: S.R. Mentreddy. 2017. An Overview of the turmeric research project. 2017 Spring Conference of the Alabama Medicinal Growers Association. November 11, 2017, Selma, AL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rao Mentreddy, Kamala Bhat, Thilini Ranatunga, Dennis Shannon, Tia Gonzales, and Keonna Hunter. 2017. Assessment of Turmeric (Curcuma Spp.) For Production in Alabama, USA. International Symposium on Advances in Production and Processing of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, ISHS.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Lam Duong, Suresh Kumar, L. Nyochembeng, S. R. Mentreddy, E. Cebert, and G. Xu. 2018. Effects of low-temperature plasma on turmeric rhizome sprouting and plant growth. Alabama A & M University AgWeek, 2018. September 26, 2018. Won Third Place Award in the Doctoral Students Poster Presentations Category.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Lam Duong, Suresh Kumar, L. Nyochembeng, S. R. Mentreddy, E. Cebert, and G. Xu. 2018. Effects of low-temperature plasma on turmeric rhizome sprouting and basil seed germination. Science and Technology Open House, 2018. October 6, 2018, Montgomery, AL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Rao Mentreddy, Thilini Ranatunga, Kamala Bhat, Lam Duong, and Andrea Byars. 2019. Turmeric (Curcuma spp.): A Potential Medicinal Crop for Small-Farm Owners in Alabama, USA. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants, Dehradun, India. Feb 12-17, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Mentreddy, S.R. 2020. Growing and marketing turmeric: A potential crop for small farm owners. Ginger and Turmeric Virtual Field day, October 22, 2020. Virginia State University Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2021 Citation: Shannon, D.A., S.R. Mentreddy, Ranatunga, T., Bkat. K., Gonzales, T. 2021. Curcumin concentration and yield. Crop Sci.


Progress 02/01/20 to 01/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:University shutdown due to COVID-19 precluded any activity related to reaching the target audience. However: The research findings were presented at a workshop on ginger and turmeric conducted via Zoom by the Virginia State University Cooperative Extension Services. This workshop was attended by about 65 extension service professionals and farmers. One journal paper was published based on oil composition of the varieties tested in this project. the target audience for the journal being chemists,scientists, faculty,students, and spice industry professionals and chefs. Changes/Problems:None. The project has been concluded on January 31, 2021. A final report will be submitted within the next 60 days. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One graduate student graduated with MS based on MS thesis research on turmeric as per of this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through one peer-reviewed journal article,one manual for farmers, and presentation at farmers' virtual meeting. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The project goal and objectives have been accomplished except the workshop for educating farmers. A virtual workshop will be held in April 2021.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? On-farm trials were conducted on nine (9) farms across Alabama in 2019. Samples of harvested turmeric were sent to Alabama A&M University for analyzing the curcuminoids using HPLC. However, the university shut down from March through September precluded chemical analyses. The chemist who was supposed to do teh analyses left the university. We have made arrangements for accomplishing this activity through the chemistry department at the University. The nine farmers who participated in teh on-farm trials were surveyed for their experience and preference for the varieties using a university-approved survey instrument. The data was analyzed, and a report was generated. Most farmers preferred turmeric variety CL9 and CA1 (now changed to CL11 based on chemotyping using HPTLC method). Field problems included weeds, wind damage, drought, and deer. Nothing unique to turmeric. Large differences in sprouting time and root initiation among varieties were reported--post-harvest fungal infections reported by one grower. A majority felt that there were no major problems. In Summary: The growers have different opinions regarding the different varieties. All five varieties have their proponents. In part, this may be based on how the crop is consumed and marketed and the perceived performance on their farms. Assessment of individual varieties for consumption and marketing is difficult because there is so much variability in rhizome color and appearance within individual plants that individual rhizomes from the same plant differ in size, color, and other characteristics. This suggests that growers require more experience with the varieties to assess them better. While most growers did not indicate strong preferences among varieties concerning consumption, the responses of Becca Gardner and the Persingers suggest that the mode of consumption may be important when assessing varieties for taste. Some varieties may not be desirable in smoothies or tea, whereas the same varieties may be acceptable when consumed in other ways. Most growers intend to grow more than one variety in the future. This fact and the differing assessments of the different growers' varieties suggest that all five varieties included in the trials should be made available to growers in the future. It is not advisable to select a single variety for promotion. University approved survey instruments were prepared for acquiring production costs and farmers' experience with the varieties. the data proved to be inconclusive as the farmers were not willing to provide accurate information.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Setzer, W.N.; Duong, L.; Poudel, A.; Mentreddy, S.R. Variation in the Chemical Composition of Five Varieties of Curcuma longa Rhizome Essential Oils Cultivated in North Alabama. Foods 2021, 10, 212. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020212
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Mentreddy, S.R. 2020. Growing and marketing turmeric: A potential crop for small farm owners. Ginger and Turmeric Virtual Field day, October 22, 2020. Virginia State University Cooperative Extension.


Progress 02/01/19 to 01/31/20

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience fo rthis project is mainly farmers and extension service professionals; students, and community members interested in herbal plants. Several students from the university and high schools visited the research plots. A few farmers from southern Alabama and Tennessee interested in participating in on-farm trials visisted the plots. In keeping with project activities in the project narrative, a one-day workshop was help at Auburn University attended by about 30 farmers and four extension service professionals. The project PI and co-PIs from Auburn University and Industry consultant discussed turmeric production, importance, production economics and marketing. A survey was conducted to assess farmer perspectives of this crop. About 20 farmers signed for conductibng on-farm trials on their farms in summer 2019. Changes/Problems:No major changes; Due to the lack of onfarm data on production costs, the farmer training workshop originally scheduled for September 2019 is now postponed to October 2020. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One MS student was trained; One Ph.D student is being trained; New science of plasma technology currently emerging is now being used to assess its effects on turmeric rhizome sprouting, growth, yield and quality. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several oral and poster presenttions have been presented at various professional and farmers meetings locally, regionally, and internationally. About 30 farmers and four or five extension servise agents and students attened a turmeric production workshop and gained knowledge of this crop. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue to screen 52 Vietnamese turmeric varieties in open field and high tunnels in North and South alabama. Assess oil yield and composition of the fifty two Vietnamese turmeric genotypes Conduct onfarm trials using five selected turmeric genotypes Conduct time of plantinga nd spacing trial. Host a farmer training workshop in october 2020.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: this objective has been achieved when 5 genotypes out of 14 were selected for superior growth, yield and curcumin levels at three locations one each in teh North, Central, adn South Alabama. These five genotyeps will now be evaluated for performance in open field and high tunnels on 20 farms across Alabama in 2019. Experiments on best management prctices is in progress. Data for computing enterprise budgets is also in progress. Survey instruments approved by the Instutional Review Board has been admnitered to 30 farmers and the data summarized. Another instrument has now been prepared for recording production costs of growing turmeric at the university research stations, open fields and in high tunnels on farms across Alabama. A large workshop for educating farmers on turmeric production, harvesting and post-harvest processing, markets and marketing was originally planned for 2019. However, due to lack of on-farm data, it is now postponed for 2020.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Lam Duong, Suresh Kumar, L. Nyochembeng, R.S. Mentreddy, E. Cebert, G. Xu, P. Baker, and Y. Vohra. 2019. Low temperature plasma effects on turmeric rhizome sprouting and plant growth. 1890 HBCU Association of research Directors, biennial Research Symposium, March 29- April 3, 2019, Jacksonville, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Rao Mentreddy, Thilini Ranatunga, Kamala Bhat, Lam Duong, and Andrea Byars. 2019. Turmeric (Curcuma spp.): A Potential Medicinal Crop for Small-Farm Owners in Alabama, USA. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants, Dehradun, India. Feb 12-17, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Khadi Badiane, Lam Duong, Suresh Kumar, L. Nyochembeng, E. Cebert, S.R. Mentreddy, and G. Xu. 2019. Effects of Low Temperature Plasma on Turmeric plant Height. Science and Technology Open HOuse, 2019, Mobile, Al., March 30, 2019.


Progress 02/01/18 to 01/31/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Several student groups, farmers and extension service professionals visited the research plots during the year. The PI and the graduate students discussed with visitors the research objectives and expected outcomes. several farmers were provided turmeric plants for planting on their farms. Changes/Problems:The agronomic trials aimed at developing best management practices could not be conducted in 2018. A one year nocost extension will be sought for extending the project y one year to 2020. A doctoral student has been recruited for carrying out these experiemnts as part of the Ph.D dissertation research. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One MS student is completing her studies and will graduate with a degree in MS in Plant and Soil Science with thesis research on turmeric crop evaluated as per Objective 1 o fthe project. One Ph.D student is being trained in agronomy based on research per project objectives. About 35 farmers are being trained in best management practices for turmeric production in Alabama. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through presentations at Farmer meetings, Alabama Medicinal Plants Growers Association Spring meeting, and Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Meeting. Presentations of research results at professional meetings Graduate student poster presentations at Science Fairs. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?COntinue to screen the fifty two Vietnamese genotypes; Conduct experiments on best management practices per Objective ii. Onfarm trials and enterprise budgets are planned for 2019.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In Summer 2018, fifty two varieties of turmeric obtained from Vietnam and 14 varieties from our previous collection were planted in replicated field trials to assess their growth, rhizome yield, and curcumin and elemental content. The curcuminoid and elemental content of the fifty two varieties from Vietnam were determined as a baseline data. The data from 2017 trials in which fourteen turmeric variaties were evaluated for growth, rhizome yield, curcuminoid and elemental content have been analyzed. The fresh rhizome yields ranged from 235 g/plant for CL3 to 1700 g/Plant for CL7. The curcuminoid levels also varied significantly among genotypes. Among curcuminoids, curcumin was significantly in higher percentages than Besdemethoxy and desmethoxy curcumins. The genotype CL9 had higher levelsof curcuminoids than other genotypes. C. zadoaria did not have any curcuminoids. Objective ii) Experiments proposed for achieving this objective could not be conducted due to lack of adequate planting propagules. A doctoral student has been recruited to conduct these experiments in 2019. Objective iii) data for computing enterprise budgets is being collected. A survey instrument has been developed for eliciting apporopriate information from farmers growing turmeric lines provided to them as part of this project. Objective iv) About 35 farmers were invited for a one-day workshop to educate them on turmeric productionpractices and the protocols for conducting on-farm trials and demonstration plots. These farmers were selected based on farm visits by the PI and Co-PIs in 2017. Five genotypes shortlisted on teh basis of 2016 and 2017 research data on rhizome yields and curcuminoid content will be planted in on-farm trials. High tunnel and open field experiments are in progress at three locations, AAMU (North Alabama), Auburn University Research Station (Central Alabama) and Headland Research Station (Southern AL).

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Lam Duong, Suresh Kumar, L. Nyochembeng, , S. R. Mentreddy, E. Cebert, and G. Xu. 2018. Effects of low temperature plasma on turmeric rhizome sprouting and plant growth. Alabama A&M UNiversity AgWeek, 2018. September 26, 2018. Won Third Place Award in the Doctoral Students Poster Presentations Category. 2. Lam Duong, Suresh Kumar, L. Nyochembeng, , S. R. Mentreddy, E. Cebert, and G. Xu. 2018. Effects of low temperature plasma on turmeric rhizome sprouting and basil seed germination. Science and technology Open House, 2018. October 6, 2018, Montgomery, AL. Mentreddy, S.R., R. Thilini, K. Bhat, B. Thomas, and K. Hunter. 2017. Inter-specific variation for yield, curcumin, and elemental content of turmeric grown in Alabama. Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science, September 19-23, 2017, Waikalova, HI


Progress 02/01/17 to 01/31/18

Outputs
Target Audience:Medicinal Plants growers, students, faculty, scientists, extension service providers, professionals related to medicinal plants production Changes/Problems:Two agronomic trials planned for 2017 could not be conducted due to soil saturation and lack of adequate propagules for planting. These triasl will be conducted in 2018. If needed, a one-year no-cost extension will be sought. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One undergraduate student and two graduate students are being trained in this project. The graduate student learned research methods, post-harvest processing, The graduate student is continueing her research on turmeric crop for her MS thesis research. A new graduate student has been recruited to pursue a Ph.D in Plant Science with research on turmeric crop as doctoral dissertation research. Several student groups and farmers toured turmeric research plots and learned about the value of turmeric as an emerging herbal supplement crop. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?One poster was presented at the international conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants; One oral presentation was made at the 2017 Spring Conference of theAlabama Medicinal Plants Growers Association. One oral paperbased on 2016 research results was presented at a professional meeting: the Annual conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science. An abstract of an oral paper proposed for presentation at the International Symposium on Advances in Production and Processing of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, International Society for Horticultural Science has been reviewed and accepted. Student groups and farmers were given tours of turmeric research at Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The following experiments and research activities related to the project are planned for 2018: Determine teh curcuminoid and elemental content of rhizomes harvested from 2017 research trials at Northern, Central, and Southern locations in Alabama. Conduct genotype evaluation trials on fifty two Vietnamese genotypes at Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. Conduct planting date and spacing trials on three selected genotypes at Alabama A&M UNiversity. Assess growth, yield and curcuminoid and elemental content of three turmeric genotypes grown in high tunnel at Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. Host a Field Day to showcase turmweic resaerch at Alabama A&M University and Auburn University in Mid-August. Conduct a grower training workshop at auburn University to train potential farmers and extension service agents in good agricultural practices for turmeric production in Alabama. Grow out selected turmeric genotypes for increasing propagules for planting in on-farm trials in 2019. Determine

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In keeping with the project research described in the proposal, the followinganalyses and fieldexperiments were conducted at three locations during the crop growing season in 2017: Assessment of curcuminoids and elemental content of ehizomes: Rhizomes harvested from 2016 experiments were dried at 46C in a forced air drier and ehizome yields were determined on dry weight basis. Subamples of dried hizomes were grinded and analyzed for the three types of curcuminoids and elements using published methods. The genotypic variation for yield, curcuminoid levels and elementale content were determined and the results were disseminated as described in the project proposal- student presentations, presentations at professional and farmer meetings. At Alabama A&M University (North Alabama): Fifteen turmericgenotypes belonging to Curcuma longa, C.arruginosa, C. amada, and C. zadoaria were planted in three replicated plots on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch with drip tape underneath. The rhizomes of eachgenotype were raised on heat pads in greenhouse and six-week old plants were transplantedon to field plots in early June. The crops were managed using organic production methods and were harvested in late November. The dry weights were recorded and samples will be grinded and assessed for curcuminoid and elemental content in early 2018. Fifty two turmeric genotypesbelonging to C. longa and C.zadoaria were obtained from Non Lam University, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Rhizome samples from each genotype were dried at 46C in a forced air drier, grinded, and assessed for curcuminoid and elemental content. The remaining fresh rhizomes were planted in pots and 6-inch tall seedlings were transplanted on to field plots. Single row plots of these genotypes are being assessed for growth, adaptation, rhizome yield, disease and insect tolerance, and curcuminoid and elemental content. This trial is in progress. Five genotypesmainly belonging to C. longa were left in the field from 2016 experiments to assess yield, curcuminoid and elemental content over two years. Mild winter in 2016 allowed these genotypes to resprout and grow in mid-spring - early summer of 2017. Auburn University (Central Alabama): The same set of experiments described for Alabama A&M University location were carried out at Auburn University Plant Research Center, Auburn, AL. At this location only ten genotypes of C. longa were planted. Trials on overwintering and two-year production was also not conducted at this location. However, all of the fifty two Vietnamese genotypes were planted in single row plots at this location. The research is in progress with harvesting of rhizomes planned for late january, 2018. All plots were mulched with straw to prevent weeds from establishing. Headlands (Southern AL): Ten turmeric genotypes belonging to C. longa were planted plots arranged in four replications. all plots were mulched with wheat straw tocontrol weeds. The experiment is in progress with harvesting planned in mid-January, 2018.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Keonna Hunter, Rao Mentreddy, Thilini Ranatunga, Kamala Bhat, and Brian Thomas. 2017. Turmeric: A potential high-value medicinal crop. 8th Annual Conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants. June 26-29, 2017. Clemson University, SC
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rao Mentreddy, Thilini Ranatunga, Kamala Bhat, Brian Thomas, and Keonna Hunter. 2017. Yield, Curcumin, and Elemental Content of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Rhizomes Grown in Alabama. Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science. September 19-22, 2017. Big Island, HI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2017 Citation: S.R. Mentreddy. 2017. An Overview of turmeric research project. 2017 Spring Conference of the Alabama Medicinal Growers Association. November 11, 2017, Selma, AL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rao Mentreddy, Kamala Bhat, Thilini Ranatunga, Dennis Shannon, Tia Gonzales, and Keonna Hunter. 2017. Assessment of Turmeric (Curcuma Spp.) For Production in Alabama, USA. International Symposium on Advances in Production and Processing of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, ISHS.


Progress 02/01/16 to 01/31/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Field Days were held at both Alabama A&M Universityand Auburn University sites during August, 2016. About 25 attendees comprising farmers, extension service professionals and student attended the Field days. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Project Director of this project, Dr. Mentreddy attended the PDs conference held in Virginia Beach by NIFA and presented the objectives, scope and potential of this project. The importance of turmeric as an ethnobotaniccrop in Alabama was presented to a group of farmers at teh Annual conference of the Alabama Medicinal plants Growers Conference in Auburn, AL. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The 2016 experiments will be harvested in late January, rhizome yields will be determined, rhizomes will be driedand assessed for curcuminoids using appropriate instruments. The results will be presented at the 8th Annual conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants at Clemson University, SC. June 20-23, 2017.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In keeping with Objective 1 of the proposal, fourteen (14) turmeric genotypes were planted in replicated field trials at three locations: Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, Auburn, and Auburn University Research Station, Headlands. Data on their growth including insects and diseases were recorded. The experiments are still in progress. The rhizomes will beharvested in late January to determine rhizome yield and curcuminoids.

Publications