Evaluation of some turmeric genotypes in terai region of West Bengal

The book depicts in details about the the basic fundamental process of conservation of turmeric and its wild relatives. Here in this research, collection, characterization, evaluation and grouping of genotypes was done in accordance with the rules of conservation. In wild relatives also, this process is strictly followed. Mango ginger, one of the wild relatives of turmeric, generally used for making pickles has medicinal value like curing bronchitis, itching, skin diseases, asthma,laxative, antipyratic and appetizer. Turmeric has many medicinal properties because it has curcumin, which is responsible for its colour. Curcumin has many medicinal properties like strong anti-inflammatory, anti-neurotic,extremely good for cardiac problems, anti-cancerous and useful for Alzheimer's disease, arthritis problems and for depression. Black or blue turmeric is very rarely found which also has several medicinal properties. So in order to prevent genetic erosion, correct approach for conservation, evaluation, characterization and catalouging should be adopted by a breeder, otherwise the precious genotype may be lost forever from the world.