Low Light Intensity Increases Xanthorrhizol Content and the Growth of Java turmeric (

Java turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) is a medicinal herb whose rhizomes contain xanthorrhizol, a bioactive compound with significant pharmacological properties. Environmental factors, including light intensity, can influence the accumulation of bioactive compounds in plants. This study investigated the effect of shade on the growth, biomass, and xanthorrhizol content of Java turmeric by cultivating plants under four levels of sunlight intensity using shade nets: 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%. The results indicated that shading did not significantly affect fresh rhizome weight or xanthorrhizol content, demonstrating that Java turmeric can maintain its yield and bioactive compound production under reduced light conditions. Plants grown under 75% shade exhibited higher chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll, as well as a 64% increase in carotene content compared to unshaded plants, suggesting physiological adaptation to low light by enhancing photosynthetic pigments. Shade treatments had no significant effect on overall plant growth, anatomical traits, or biomass accumulation. These findings indicate that Java turmeric can tolerate and adapt to low-light environments without compromising yield, highlighting its potential for intercropping under shaded conditions, such as under tree canopies or plantation crops.