Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) is a biennial plant that grows well in hot and humid areas and accumulates bioactive compounds in its rhizome. Chitosan, a natural substance found in the shell of crustacean, crab, and insect, is used in the plant cultivation to promote growth and to increase bioactive compound contents. The study aimed to investigate the effect of chitosan at different concentrations on the growth of turmeric plants grown in the greenhouse. The growth of turmeric after chitosan foliar application at five concentration levels including 0, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.15% and 0.2% monthly for five months were evaluated. It showed that turmeric received 0.2% chitosan had the means in plant height, plant fresh weight, leaf dry weight, rhizome fresh weight and rhizome dry weight lower than those of the non-treated chitosan group significantly.