COMPARISON ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF

ARROWROOT (Maranta arundinaceae L.) UNDER SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY BASED FARMING AND TRADITIONAL FARMER’S

PRACTICE

Ramonchito F. Castillo

Southern Luzon State University

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

March 2013

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Arrowroot (Maranta arundinaceae L.) is a low perennial herb found in rainforest

habitats which is often cultivated for starch obtained from its rhizome. It can grow about

2ft. high, has a small white flowers and fruits. Arrowroot is a product of West Indies

which has a rich history in the culture that its very name arrowroot was derived from the

indigenous tribe Arawaks. According to historians Arawak people used arrowroot

powder to draw out poisonous toxins from those wounded by tip of poisoned arrows.

Arrowroot is indigenous in tropical America but has spread to other countries such as

Brazil, India, Ceylon, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Arrowroot was first introduced in

the Philippines in 1918 (Olfato, 2010).

Generally, Arrowroot has large leaves that are thick and fleshy and the creeping

roots are long and fibrous. The flour is almost similar to cornstarch being white, fine and

powdery; the arrowroot powder is a healthier alternative. It is the only starch product

with calcium ash which is important for the maintenance of proper acid and alkali

balances in the human body (Fallon, 2000). It is a sturdy crop that thrives as long as there

is enough soil moisture for growth and development. The crop grows best where rainfall

is uniformly distributed throughout the year. Moreover, arrowroot a tuber can be an

effective substitute for corn in broiler rations and are consider being excellent roughage

for animal feeds. The fibrous by-product can also be used to feed cattle and swine while

leaves can be served as a packaging material.

Today, arrowroot is mainly cultivated for its starch. Easily digestible, it is

extracted and sold in the market as a dry white powder. One of the good characteristics of

arrowroot that it has long shelf life and source of one of the purest carbohydrates, which

is a highly digestible, making it a suitable ingredient in making infant foods and

medicinal tablets. Superior quality starch is used in the making biscuits, pastries, cookies

and other culinary goodies.

This study is under the collaboration of Philippine Council for Agriculture,

Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) and Southern

Luzon State University. The project is a comparative study evaluating the productivity

rates of arrowroot under Science and Technology Based Farming (STBF) and Magsasaka

Siyentista (MS) or Farmer’s practice of Catanuan, Quezon. Science and Technology

Based Farming (STBF) involve applying the recommended and established agronomic

practices in arrowroot production. While on the other hand Magsasaka Siyentista

involves traditional and indigenous practices in arrowroot production such as the “busok

tanim”. This project aims to improve efficiency, to enhance productivity, and to provide

effective technology for the arrowroot farmers which translates a better profit.

Catanauan, Quezon lies along the coastal lines of Bondoc Peninsula in the

southern part of Quezon province. It is bounded on the North by the municipality of

Lopez, on the northeast by the municipality of Buenavista ; on the east and southeast by

the municipality of Mulanay , on the south and southwest by Tayabas bay; and on the

west and northwest by the municipality of Gen. Luna , Quezon. It has an area of 244

square kilometers more or less. It is approximately 264.205 kilometers from Metro

Manila and 128 kilometers from the provincial capital Lucena City. The climate of

Catanauan is characterized by dry season from March to May and rainy season from

October to December. The Municipality is affected by annual south monsoon wind from

July to December.

Arrowroot production and processing of its based products is fast gaining and

viable enterprise in Catanauan, Quezon. Currently the town is the source of arrowroot

flour in region 4A. In fact, local processors from Laguna, Bulacan, Tayabas, and

Marinduque sourced their flour in Catanauan (Olfato, 2012). The Department of

Agriculture is looking at arrowroot flour as possible substitute for wheat flour while the

DOST determined that 25% arrowroot flour can effectively substitute 69% of corn

requirement in broiler ration. In addition the product was accorded higher importance

when it was declared the One-town-One-Product (OTOP) of Catanauan (PDI, 2012). As

there are promising utility of arrowroot mentioned above, therefore research should be

geared for the purpose of increasing its production for commercialization to meet the

needs of the industry in the years to come.

However, the industry is beset by two major problems: 1) low production due to

indigenous practices and 2) lack of processing equipment resulting to scarcity and poor

quality of flour supply which further translates to low profit of farmers.

As a solution to the problem, farming based on science and technology

interventions is proposed that apply the recommended and established agronomic

practices in arrowroot production. Specifically, it aims to improve efficiency, to enhance

productivity and to provide effective technology for the arrowroot farmers. Improving

efficiency and enhancing productivity will be done using established planting distance

and application of organic fertilizer. Extension activity will also be conducted for the

adoption of the technology, specifically the planting of arrowroot based on science and

technology, and the use of design dryer.

Significance of the Study

Arrowroot has a potential to be a sustainable crop due to its food and industrial

uses, farmers are continuously growing it due to its promising utility.

Up to this date, a limited research have been done about arrowroot, this proves

that there is a need to study arrowroot to increase its productivity. Furthermore, it is

imperative to start and continuously search for arrowroot production technology which is

location specific to help the local arrowroot growers to increase their productivity which

will ultimately result to the improvement of their living conditions.

Moreover, results of the study will serve as a source of information to the students

to further their knowledge on this, mostly to the farmers who are engaged and will be

engaged in arrowroot production.

Objectives

Generally, this study will be to determine the growth and yield productivity of

arrowroot between Science and technology Base Farming and the Traditional Farmer’s

Practice to evaluate the following:

a. Monthly height of the plant

b. Monthly number of shoots

c. Rhizome yield in ton/ha

d. Date of Maturity/flowering

e. Size of rhizome

Length

Diameter

f. Flour recovery

Scope and limitations

This study was limited to the evaluation on the growth and yield performance of

arrowroot under Science and technology Based Farming and Traditional Farmer’s

Practice.

The growth and yield characteristics to be considered are plant height, total

number of shoots, and the yields in terms tons/ha.

The study will be conducted at Brgy. Matandang sabang Catanauan, Quezon.

Definition of terms

To understand this study more easily the following terms are defined.

Arrowroot- is a low perennial herb found in rainforest habitats which is often cultivated

for starch obtained from its rhizome.

Bugsok-tanim- it is an indigenous practice done by farmers of Catanauan, Quezon in

planting arrowroot. It includes the direct planting after harvesting without land

preparation.

Growth- it is an irreversible increase in height and number of shoots.

Magsasaka Siyentista (MS)- person/farmer that applies the traditional farmers practice

“Bugsok tanim” in arrowroot production. This practice will be applied as

treatment 2.

Performance- is the execution of an action, the growth rate of the plants.

Replication- is the appearance of more than one treatment in an experiment to provide a

means for estimating experimental error.

Rhizome- is an edible part of the arrowroot plant that can be harvested.

Starch- is generally flour obtained from the rhizome after it undergoes washing,

grinding, drying, water settling, and re-drying.

Science and Technology Based Farming (STBF)- a system that apply the agronomic

practices of arrowroot production. This system will be applied as treatment 1.

Treatment- refers to the single conditions representing the factors to be studied.

Vermicompost- organic fertilizer/ product of from decomposition of farm waste such as

animal manure and crop residues with the aid of worm known as the African night

crawler. The vermicompost used in the experiment have an analysis of 1.57-0.57-

0.65.

Yield- the amount of quantity returned.

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies that provides a

basis for methodologies and discussion of the results obtained.

Arrowroot

Arrowroot (Maranta arundinaceae L.) is an herbaceous perennial, growing

usually about 3ft and bearing oval leaves. The rootstock forms cylindrical rhizome below

the soil surface. It is this rhizome, which are about 9-12 inches long 1 inch thick, that

provide the starch that has made cultivation of the crop commercially feasible.

In West Indies particularly in St. Vincent, there are native varieties of arrowroot,

namely: “Banana” and “Creole variety”. The Creole variety has long thin rhizome, which

spread more widely and penetrate more deeply into the soil. The Banana variety has

shorter, thicker, less fibrous rhizomes, and produced near the soil surface. These two

varieties do not seed, and propagation has so far by means of rhizome bits. The plant is

extremely resistant to adverse weather conditions and has hitherto been subjected to only

one disease, the “Arrowroot burning disease” (Rosillinea bunodes) and one pest, the

“Arrowroot Leaf roller” (Calpodea ethleus): even these have been relatively minor in

their effect (Martin C.I. 1986).

In the Philippines, arrowroot is mainly cultivated in Catanuan, Quezon. The crop

is grown mostly in semi-cultivated region and rainfall is uniformly distributed throughout

the year. Taxonomically, there is no distinct variety of arrowroot; however in Tiaong

experimental Station has so far collected different strains of arrowroot namely: Cuenca

strain, San Pablo strain and a foreign one from Africa. Calauan strain was discovered in

1962 at coconut grove in Calauan, Laguna. (Candelaria 1994).

Most of the time, this crop is not domesticated but just grows wildly in the

different parts of the mountain. However, if given the necessary care and management,

this crop can produce a yield ranging from 27-29 tons per hectare. When planted under

coconut or intercropped with fruit trees, arrowroot produced at least 65 % of what it

normally yields (Gonzaga, 1988). Arrowroot strains in Bicol, Quezon and Palawan have

almost same characteristics which yielded 17 tons of tubers under partial shading

(Tabinga, 1982).

In the study by Malinis and Pacardo (2012), it has been stated that analysis of

arrowroot reveals the following contents: Starch (27.17%); fiber fat, albumen, sugar,

gum, ash and water (62.83%). Arrowroot starch is white, odorless and tasteless either in

the form of powder or in more or less aggregate masses which rarely exceed a pea in size.

The bitter resinous substance in the skin of the rhizome can be removed in the

preparation of starch during peeling.

Arrowroot is an edible starch obtained from the rhizomes or underground stems of

several tropics herbs. The perennial plant, produce a genuine arrowroot in large of 20 –

40 cm or 9 – 14 inches rhizomes. It is usually grown in a loamy type soil and the climatic

requirements are warm and moist. It requires 8 – 10 months to grow before it is

harvested.

Arrowroot is an effective substitute for corn in broiler ration. A 25% level of

arrowroot meal formulation proved to be the best ration for broiler replacing 69% of the

yellow corn in poultry ration.

Cultural Requirements and Practices of Arrowroot

The following is a summary of cultural practices of arrowroot as stated in

Arrowroot Plant industry Guide by Gonzaga C., Estrella., D., et.al. :

Arrowroot thrives anywhere in the Philippines provided there is enough moisture

in the soil for its normal growth and development. It grows best in places where rainfall

is uniformly distributed throughout the year. The rhizomes are resistant to inclement

weather and can stay long in the soil. They germinate in the same area where they have

been planted.

Soil Requirements – Arrowroot requires a friable, well drained loamy soil.

However, soil at the foot of the hills, in valley and newly opened areas are preferable.

Clayey soil must be avoided since it induce poor rhizome development and usually cause

the deformation of the rhizome which tends to break during harvesting. It is advisable to

plant this crop in an open field provided there is sufficient moisture throughout its

growing period. Planting in partially shaded areas can also be done but with reduce yield.

Land Preparation – Prepare the land by plowing and harrowing two or three

times depending upon the soil structure. Plow deep enough to provide favorable

condition for better root development.

Planting – Arrowroot can be propagated by suckers and rootstock or rhizomes

with two or more nodes each. Two suckers may be planted to a hill at a distance of 1.0 x

0.75 meters. Under poor soil condition, the hills should set closer about 0.75 x 0.30

meters apart.

Irrigation – No irrigation needed provided there is enough moisture in the soil

especially at the early stage of growth.

Fertilization – The crop responds well to fertilization. In a study conducted at

UPLB, yield of 18.47 tons and 26.73 tons were harvested when 90 kg/ha and 180 kg ha

of nitrogen were applied respectively, while the control yielded only 12.15 tons /ha.

Compost or commercial fertilizer can be applied to the plant. An application of 300 to

400 kg of 14-14-14 per hectare is recommended.

Weeding and Cultivation – Simultaneous weeding and cultivation must be done

during the first three to four months, depending upon the weed population in the field.

Alternate hilling-up and off-barring must be employed until the plants are bid enough to

cover spaces between rows.

Arrowroot Production in Kerala, India

The following is a summary of cultural practices of arrowroot in Kerala, India as

stated in Underutilized and underexploited Horticultural crops by K.V. Peter 2007:

Arrowroot propagation

Rhizomes are usually used as planting materials. Small pieces of rhizomes of size

4-7 cm with 2-4 nodes known as bits are used for planting about 3000-5000kg of bits are

required to plant one hectare.

Crop management

The soil should be brought to a fine tilt by deep plowing prior to the onset of

monsoon. The bits are planted 5-7.5 cm deep and about 30x30 cm apart in raised beds of

15-20 cm height, 50 cm breadth and convenient length. Trials conducted by Central

Tuber Crop Research Institute (CTCRI), Trivandum, Kerala, India, revealed that the

planting at spacing of 30x15 cm produced significantly higher tuber yield.

Thin Rhizome or cigar roots should not be planted. Shoots come up within 15

days. Suckers are occasionally used for planting. Suckers are separated from the clump at

harvest and planted at 30-45 cm apart in the nursery during off season. These suckers

give rise to new plants, which are uprooted and the canopy cut-off to retain 10com of the

shoot intact with roots.

The field should be kept be clean and free from weeds during the first 3-4 months.

Earthling-up or hilling up should be done along with weeding. Mulching with green or

dry leaves is essential after planting. The crop is planted during the last week of May or

June with the onset of rains and grown as a rain fed crop. If a dry spell occurs during the

first 3-4 months, supplementary irrigation at weekly intervals should be given, optimum

soil moisture throughout the growing period is essential for good yield. Flowers are

nipped off as they appear.

Fertilization

The use of 10tons/ha of FYM/Farmyard manure or compost is recommended for

arrowroot. Arrowroot grown as a pure crop recorded maximum yield, when NPK was

applied 150:75:150 kg/ha respectively.

Different growth characters like plant height, number of leaves, number of

suckers and leaf area were at maximum at higher levels of N and K. Quality characters

like starch, protein and crude fiber were increased by higher levels of nitrogen. Increase

in potassium levels had a positive effect on starch and protein contents but fiber content

showed a declining trend.

Arrowroot as intercrop in coconut gardens

Arrowroot can be successfully grown as an intercrop in coconut gardens as it

tolerates partial shade. When grown as intercrop, it is planted at a spacing of 30x30 cm in

rained beds. Rhizomes of weight 20-25g are preferred as planting materials. Farmyard

manure at 20t/ha along with NPK at 75:50:50 kg/ha in the recommended fertilizer dose

for arrowroot intercropped in coconut garden.

FYM is applied 21 days before planting. Application of full dose of phosphorus

and half dose of potash are given during planting as basal dose. Fifty percent dose of

nitrogen is given 60 days after planting and the remaining 50% nitrogen and potassium is

given 60 days after planting.

The highest yield of 13.3t/ha could be obtained in arrowroot under rain fed

condition with the application of 50:25:75 kg NPK/ha in coconut plantation. Growth

characters like plant height, sucker number, leaf number and protein content were

increased by the highest amount of FYM e.i. 20t/ha (K.V. Peter (2012).

Harvesting

The rhizomes are ready for harvest by 10-12 months after planting. Maturity for

harvest is indicated by yellowing and wilting of leaves. At this time, the stem fall over or

lodge. Harvesting is done by digging up the plants and separating Rhizomes from the

leafy stems. The maximum starch at 12 months but the Rhizomes turn more fibrous and

are difficult to extract the starch. Rhizomes are harvested 10-11 months after planting.

After 12 months period starch content declines and the sugar content increases. Yields

vary enormously and range from 7.5-37t/ha.

Proximate analysis of fresh rhizome includes: 63.4% moisture, starch 25-30%

sugar and dextrin – 2.19%, crude fiber – 3.9% and ash 0.9%.

Extraction of Starch

Rhizome is the economic part used for production of starch. The rhizome is

washed and cleaned. Tips of rhizomes, which are poor in starch, are cut off and the rest of

the material is peeled and pulped. The pulped is mixed with water and strained through a

coarse cloth to remove fiber and other impurities. The milky fluid is collected in glazed

tanks and the starch is allowed to settle. Re-suspension and Re-settling are done several

times. It may be done centrifuging. The starch deposited is dried in sun or in low

temperature driers. The product is stored in closed moisture proof containers.

Chlorination of water helps to prevent bacterial fermentation. The starch is graded on the

basis of color, ash pulp, and fiber. Good quality starch should contain maximum moisture

content of 13.0% only, total ash of 0.3%, and insoluble ash of 0.1% and pH of 4.5-7

(K.V. Peter (2012).

Arrowroot Production in Catanauan, Quezon

Planting of arrowroot used by the farmers was no standard procedure. Farmers

may include land preparations if the land is not tilled yet. They planted arrowroot using

the “bugsok-tanim” method without fertilization where after harvesting there will be no

land preparation, they will plant back the plant in the same where it was harvested and

harvest it them again in the next harvesting season.

Arrowroot Growth and Yield

As cited by Olfato (2010), the study conducted by Salvacion, 1992 in Catanuan,

Quezon, shows an average rhizome yield of 14.015 tons/hectare. In the same year, the

yield obtained by Goma shows 12.70 tons/hectare in the trials she made in Laguna. These

show that this crop has the potential of giving high yield by following the improved

package of technology and appropriate fertilization strategy.

A study done by Oflato (2010), for two cropping season in Matandang Sabang

Silangan(MSS) and Matandang Sabang Kanluran(MSK) Catanuauan, Quezon on

improving the cultural management practices of arrowroot, During the first cropping

MSS yielded 21.2tons/ha and have recovered 1,735.1 kg of flour and apparently, in MSK

which yielded 8.9 tons/ha and have recovered 600.8 kg of flour. While during the second

cropping MSS yielded 33.6 tons/ha and have recovered 2665.4 kg of flour and

apparently, MSK yielded 22.5 tons/ha and recovered 1751.2 kg of flour. These such

results proves that improved cultural management practices of arrowroot such as: 1) land

preparation to include one-time plowing and two times harrowing; 2) use of new planting

materials (suckers) every cropping season; 3) cutting of the top leaves and the excess

roots of the suckers before planting 4) fertilization of organic fertilizer based soil analysis

5) planting of 3 suckers in triangular manner in one hill; 6) using the planting distance of

50x30cm; and 7) weeding of 2-3 times during the cropping, is effective to increase the

Arrowroot yield performance.

In the study by Malinis and Pacardo in Bicol State University (2012), arrowroot

was planted on a 14m x 28m Area with 16 plots of 3.5m by 7m dimension. It was with

the planting distance of 50cm x 30cm in a sandy loam type soil and was tested for shaded

and open to sunlight. The arrowroot yielded 2.5 kg/m2 or 25 tons/ha in open area and

1.7kg/m2 or 20 tons/ha was noticed in shaded area.

Arrowroot Technology and Mechanization in Processing

In the study by Malinis and Pacardo on the Adaption of arrowroot processing

technologies developed by Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry, Albay

in 2004, Processing plant analysis showed a capacity of 1000 kg/day with starch recovery

of 12-14%, machine efficiencies ranges from 86 to 99%. The operational cost of the

processing system was at 7.00/kg to include 2.00/kg from washing to water removal,

drying at 1.50/kg, and buying price of P5.00/kg for fresh tubers. Economic analysis

resulted to an ROI of 42.53% at 960 hours annual use. Added value per kg of processed

arrowroot is at 2.20/kg excluding by-products. The processing arrowroot is technically

and economically feasible in producing quality starch.

Processing Technology reported that the rhizomes are washed and the skin scales

carefully peeled from the white fleshy core, otherwise they impart a bitter taste to the

final product. The peeled rhizomes are washed again and grated into a coarse pulp. The

pulp is then mixed with a large quantity of clean water and the mixture passed over a

series of sieving to separate fiber. The liquid is allowed to stand and the starch out on

long tables. The starch is removed from the tables mixed with more water and resettled

overnight. The lumps of starch are placed on racks to air-dry, a process which can take

from 4 – 14 days according to the weather and which can result in the material. Become

in a division. After drying lumps of starch are pulverized and prepared for marketing in

different grades according to viscosity ratings. It is packed in moisture proof bags

(Malinis and Pacardo 2012).

In the large scale processing, the arrowroot tubers are thoroughly washed in

special tanks. They are then cut into small pieces, rasped and crushed into a pulp. The

Pulp is then passed in a continuous flow of water into a series of three vibrator sieves.

The starch milk then passes to the separator. The residues remaining on the sieves are

crushed and sieved twice more to effect the maximum extraction of starch the resultant

starch milk is passed to the separator. The separator divides the starch from the water

within four minutes and it is next mixed with fresh water, passed through a fine sieve of

120 mesh wire cloth and recentrifuge. The starch is then mixed with fresh water, treated

with sulphuric acid and fed into settling tanks. After the starch has settled, the supernatant

liquid is run off and the upper layers of sediment are washed away by vigorous hosing to

remove as much as possible of the residual fibrous tissue. The starch is then dried in low

Temperature 131 -150ºF (55 – 60ºC) driers for 4-11 days to a moisture content of

approximately 17 percent or slightly less. When dry, the starch is pulverized and packed

(Malinis and Pacardo 2012).

According to Olfato 2012, Washing is very important in the processing of

arrowroot flour. In small-scale technology, rhizomes are washed several times before it is

grated into a coarse pulp. Large quantity of water is also needed when mixing the pulp. In

large-scale technology, water is needed in large amount. Pulps need continuous flow of

water in a series of three vibratory sieves. The starch is always mixed with fresh water

when settling the final product.

As cited by Olfato, Malinis 2006 reported that mechanization technology solves

the laborious and tedious operation in the arrowroot flour processing. Washing, rasping,

juice extraction, drying and milling could be mechanized. Washing could be done using

mechanical washer with a washing efficiency of 92% pass into the granulator, extraction

through the multi-crop crusher and drying using the tray type dryer.

Arrowroot Production

Science and Technology Based Farming Practice (STBF)

Complete Land Preparation ( Land clearing, Plowing, Harrowing, Raised beds)

Planting Distance of 50 x 75 cmApplication of organic fertilizer

based on soil analysisUse of fabricated sun dryer

Traditional Farmer’s Practice

Land preparation (Plowing, Harrowing)

Direct planting of rhizomes at 30x30 cm distance

No fertilization schemeSun drying using laminated

plastic sacks

Growth and Yield Performance

Height of the plantNumber of shoots

Rhizome yield per hillFlour recovery

Growth and Yield Performance

Height of the plantNumber of shoots

Rhizome yield per hillFlour recovery

Comparison

Conceptual Framework

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

Research Locale

The study will be conducted in a farmer’s field in Matandang Sabang Silangan

Catanauan, Quezon.

Experimental design, treatment and data analysis

The experiment used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). A total of

250 sq. meters experimental area was utilized. This was divided into two blocks to

represent number of replication. Each block was subdivided into 2 plots measuring 125

sq.m each where such two (2) treatments were assigned.

T1- STBF

T2- MS

The data gathered was tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while

significant difference among treatment means was determined with the use of LSD test at

5% level.

Cultural Practices

Collection of Soil Sample

This was done September 2012 before preparation of experimental area.

Soil sample was collected in different part of the area and was brought in Analytical

Services Laboratory Soils and Agro-Systems Division in College of Agriculture, UPLB.

Sampling Method

The sampling method will used Systematic random sampling .

Preparation of experimental plots

STBF plots

An area of 125 sq. m was used for the experimental plot. Land preparation

will be done April 2013. The area will be plowed the harrowed thoroughly. The bed will

be raised for good drainage one week before planting, and to prevent soil-borne disease

sterilization process will be done by burning rice straw on the bed surface.

MS plots

Same as the size and time of preparation of STBF plot 125 sq. m will be

utilized. Land preparation will only include plowing, harrowing and furrowing.

Distance of Planting and Planting Materials

STBF plots

The planting materials will be selected from good quality

suckers/rhizomes, 3000 kg/ ha of bits, 30 to 50 g rhizome pieces will be used as planting

materials and it will be planted three suckers in triangular manner in one hill with a

planting distance of 50 x 75 cm distance between rows.

MS plots

Same as the preparation for STBF plots the only difference is that it will

be planted with an average distance of 30 x 30 cm distance between rows.

Fertilization

STBF plots

This study will use vermicompost as fertilizer base on soil analysis at the

rate of ____.

MS Plots

Traditional practice of growing arrowroot in Catanauan, Quezon have no

fertilization scheme.

Weed Control/Hilling-up

Weeding will be done intermittently of 2-3 times in the whole cropping period for

the both treatments.

Harvesting

Arrowroot can be harvested 9 to 10 months after planting. Harvesting will be

done by digging up the plants and separating Rhizomes from the leafy stems.

Processing for Recovery

The harvested rhizomes will be washed and cleaned. The tips of the rhizomes will

be cut-off and rest of the material will be cut-off and the rest of the material will be

peeled and pulped. The pulped will be mix with water and strained thorough a coarse

cloth to remove fibers and other impurities. The milky fluid will be collected and the

starch will be allowed to settle. Re-suspension and Re-settling will be done several times

to maximize the flour recovery. After being settled and deposited it will be subjected for

drying. The harvest from STBF will be dried using the fabricated dryer and from the MS

practice it will be dried under the sun.

Data gathering procedures

1. Growth

a. Average Monthly Plant height

This character was obtained from 50 sample plants per treatment

starting from the marker to the tallest leaf at a 30days interval.

b. Average Number of shoots/plant

It was taken from the same sampling units where plant height

character was measured. The number of shoots produced by plant from 50

hills each treatment at 30 days interval.

2. Yield

a. Volume of yield

-Average yield/plant

-Average Yield/ha

b. Size of rhizome and weight of the plant

-In terms of length and diameter

-Weight of the plant

-Flour Recovery

3. Date of maturity

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T1

T1

T2

T2

BLOCK I

BLOCK II

E

W

N S

Experimental Lay-out

T1- Science and Technology Based Farming (STBF)

T2- Traditional Farmer’s Practice/ MS practice

Figure.1 Experimental Layout