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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Systems-level analysis of growth, yield architecture and profitability of ginger genotypes (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) across sequential sowing patterns

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13269
Submitted
18 December 2025
Published
06-07-2026

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is an economically important spice crop valued for its culinary, medicinal and industrial uses. Its productivity is highly influenced by agronomic factors, particularly planting time and selection of suitable varieties, which can significantly affect growth and yield performance under varying environmental conditions. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of different planting dates and ginger varieties on growth, yield and economic returns to determine the most suitable combination for enhanced productivity. A field experiment was laid out in randomised block design with dates of planting (25th April, 15th May and 5th June) as the main plot treatments and three varieties as subplot treatments (Rajgarh local, Sirmaur local and Himgiri) with 3 replications. Growth parameters, rhizome yield and economic returns were recorded and analysed over two consecutive years. During both years, 5th June planting and the Himgiri variety showed the significantly highest growth and yield parameters, while the lowest growth and yield parameters were observed on 25th April planting and Sirmaur variety. Sowing of ginger on 15th May and 5th June produced significantly higher rhizome yield than sowing on 25th April. During both years, the maximum rhizome yield (193.18 q/ha) was recorded when sowing was done on 5th June, but it was at par with sowing on 15th May (182.32 q/ha). Sowing on 5th June recorded mean net returns of Rs. 451034 with benefit-cost ratio of 2.80. There was no significant difference among the genotypes evaluated. Himgiri gave the highest yield of 181 q/ha, followed by Rajgarh and Sirmaur. Planting ginger in early June or mid-May significantly enhances yield and profitability compared to late April planting. Although varietal differences were not significant, Himgiri showed superior performance and can be recommended for higher productivity under similar agro-climatic conditions.

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