Effect of Different Shading Color on Growth and Yield Performance of (Black Ginger) Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the impact of different shading colors on the growth and yield performance of (black ginger) Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker. The experiment was conducted in a glasshouse at MARDI Jerangau, Terengganu, from September 2022 to May 2023. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The shade treatments consisted of non-shade (T1), green shade (T2), yellow shade (T3), and red shade (T4). The results revealed that the application of colored shading significantly enhanced both the growth and yield of K. parviflora. Notably, the growth performance at the 5-month after planting (MAP) stage was crucial for rhizome yield, with any decrease in plant height potentially leading to diminished rhizome weight measurements. Among the shading colors, green shade emerged as the most effective, boosting total rhizome weight compared to non-shaded conditions. Correlation analysis between yield components demonstrated a strong positive relationship between rhizome length and rhizome weight (0.894), followed by rhizome weight and root weight (0.835). In conclusion, the study highlights the beneficial effects of colored shading on the yield components of K. parviflora, emphasizing the potential for optimized cultivation practices to enhance crop productivity.