Vol.:(0123456789) Vegetos https://doi.org/10.1007/s42535-024-01136-3 RESEARCH ARTICLES Exploring the genetic diversity of ginger germplasm from North‑East India under the New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal Luwangshangbam James Singh 1  · Anupam Pariari 1  · Utpal Singha 1  · Dawan Arkini Challam 2  · Airish Pariari 3  · Tabalique Yumkhaibam 4  · Puthem Robindro Singh 5 Received: 29 July 2024 / Revised: 13 November 2024 / Accepted: 3 December 2024 © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Society for Plant Research 2024 Abstract This study explores the genetic diversity of ginger germplasm from Northeast India under the New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal from 2019 to 2021 in order to identify high-yielding and high-quality varieties. A total of eighteen treatments, comprising fifteen germplasms and three standard varieties, were evaluated using a randomised block design with three replications. Fourteen agronomic parameters, quality, and yield-related traits, including essential oil, oleoresin, dry recovery, crude fibre, and rhizome yield, were measured. Genetic diversity and trait correlations were analysed using variance, genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, path coefficient, and cluster analysis. Significant genetic variability was observed, particularly in oleoresin, rhizome yield, leaf area, and essential oil. Positive correlations with rhizome yield were identified for several morphological and quality traits. Path analysis highlighted the direct positive impact of traits like leaf breadth, dry recovery, leaf length, and oleoresin on rhizome yield. Clustering analysis showed high genetic diversity across clusters, with cluster II performing well in multiple yield-related and quality traits. These findings support the potential for clonal selection to enhance ginger yield and quality and also provide valuable insights for breeding programmes aimed at developing robust, high performing ginger varieties. Keywords Ginger germplasm · Genetic diversity · Correlations · Genetic variability · Rhizome yield Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a tropical spice crop of great economic and medicinal significance, widely valued for its aromatic, spicy flavour, and therapeutic properties. It has a rich history in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medi- cine due to its antiemetic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties and is extensively used in culinary, medicinal, and preservation applications (Laelago Ersedo et al. 2023). Increasing demand for ginger has encouraged efforts to improve its yield, quality, and resistance traits with focus on breeding programmes that leverage genetic diversity. Success of any breeding programmes largely depends on the genetic variability present within germplasm (Semahegn and Tesfaye 2016). However, ginger’s commercial propaga- tion by vegetative means limits genetic variability, making conventional breeding less effective. To address this limi- tation, exploring and conserving existing genetic diversity within ginger germplasm is crucial. The Northeast Region (NER) of India has a wide range of cultivated ginger vari- eties, influenced by its diverse climatic and topographic conditions. Yet, despite the rich diversity maintained by indigenous communities, systematic collection and evalu- ation efforts in this region remain limited, constraining the potential to utilise this genetic diversity in breeding pro- grammes (Bhandari et al. 2017). Understanding genetic vari- ability in agronomic and quality traits is crucial for effective selection and breeding strategies in ginger, as it influences * Luwangshangbam James Singh luwangjameshort@gmail.com 1 Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India 2 Department of Plant Physiology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India 3 College of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Jalandhar, Punjab, India 4 College of Horticulture and Forestry, Department of Vegetables Science, CAU, Pasighat, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India 5 College of Agriculture, Department of Vegetable Science, IGKV, Raipur, Chattisgarh, India