Elevation Determines the Productivity of Large Cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) Cultivars in Sikkim Himalaya

Abstract Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is an economically important cash crop that provides a livelihood option for the rural communities in the Khangchendzonga Landscape (KL), including Sikkim and supports a large value-chain of diverse stakeholders across the globe. This study explores the influence of elevation on yield-related traits of the large cardamom cultivars grown at different elevations in Sikkim. We evaluated twelve morphometric traits, including eight yield-related traits (number of capsules per spike, capsule length, capsule width, fresh capsule weight, dry capsule weight, number of seeds per locule, fresh seed weight, and dry seed weight) in five large cardamom cultivars (Dzongu Golsey, Sawney, Seremna, Ramsey, and Varlangey) from Sikkim, cultivated at 41 different locations with elevation ranging between 975–2069 m asl. The statistical analysis indicated a significant variability (P < 0.05) in morphometric traits including yield-related traits (except capsule length and width) in five large cardamom cultivars. The cultivars cultivated at an elevation below 1500 m, such as Dzongu Golsey, Sawney, and Seremna, had higher values for yield-related traits than those growing at elevations above 1500 m, and the yield-related traits were negatively correlated with the elevation. Likewise, Varlangey and Ramsey, cultivated above 1500 m elevation, performed better than the same cultivars grown below 1500 m of elevation and depicted a positive correlation between elevation and yield-related traits. The study revealed that the elevation determines the performance of the larger cardamom progression, and suggests cultivating the cultivars in their suitable elevation range for better productivity.