Growth and Yield Response of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) to Different Application Levels of High Molecular Weight Chitosan

Purpose: This study examines soaking ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in different High Molecular Weight Chitosan (HMWCHT) concentrations to assess its influence on growth and yield. The study examined the impact of chitosan soaking on ginger growth. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed a randomised complete block design. Three chitosan concentrations (0, 50, and 100 ppm) were used, and growth parameters (plant height, leaf count, and chlorophyll content) were assessed over 12 weeks. Means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) as the significance test at p≤ 0.05. Findings: Weeks 10 and 12 saw remarkable values for plant height (66.3 cm and 69.1 cm), leaf count (20.33 and 22.0), and chlorophyll content (79.0 and 81.0) in ginger soaked in 50 ppm, highlighting the potential of high chitosan concentrations for ginger growth. Moreover, 50 and 100 ppm chitosan resulted in significantly higher yields, with ginger soaked in 100 ppm yielding the most (1830 g). Research Limitation: The study's controlled conditions and limited chitosan concentrations may not fully capture field variability or broader application ranges. Practical Implications: Soaking ginger in 100 ppm chitosan significantly enhances growth and yield, offering practical, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilisers. Social Implications: Improved ginger yields support food security, farmer income, and sustainable agricultural development through environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Originality/Value: This study underscores the positive impact of high-molecular-weight chitosan soaking on ginger's growth and yield response. Chitosan, particularly at a concentration of 100 ppm, holds promise as a growth enhancer for commercial ginger cultivation.