Influence of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Rhizome Quality of Arrowroot Intercropped in Coconut

Authors

  • O.K. Swadija Kerala Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram 695 522, Kerala, India
  • Padmanabhan VB Kerala Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram 695 522, Kerala, India
  • Vijayaraghavakumar . Kerala Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram 695 522, Kerala, India

Keywords:

West Indian arrowroot, organic manures, biofertilizers, rhizome yield, rhizome quality

Abstract

West Indian arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.) is an under-exploited tuber crop which is valued as a  food stuff as well as source of starch. The starch is used for the preparation of various bakery products,  as a base for face powder, in the preparation of barium meals and as a base for tablets, where rapid  disintegration is desirable. The starch possesses demulscent and anti-diarrhoeal properties and is  used in the treatment of intestinal disorders, which adds medicinal value to the crop. Presently  organic farming assumes special significance due to environmental concern and food safety issues.  There is dearth of information on the effect of organic management on yield and quality in arrowroot.  Hence field experiments were conducted during 2007-2009 in the identified panchayats in the Western  Ghat region of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, to derive an organic nutrient package for sustained  yield of arrowroot. As part of the investigation, the effect of organic manures, at various levels with  and without biofertilizers, on rhizome quality of arrowroot intercropped in coconut was studied in  randomized block design at five locations, with three replications at each location. The results indicated  that the quality characters of rhizomes, dry matter, starch, crude protein and crude fibre contents  improved during both the years due to application of even 10 t ha-1 of farmyard manure. The study  indicated the sufficiency of 15 t ha-1 of farmyard manure along with biofertilzers (Azospirillum and  phosphobacteria) for realizing higher rhizome yield and improved rhizome quality of arrowroot  intercropped in coconut.

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Published

2015-01-15

How to Cite

Swadija, O., VB, P., & ., V. (2015). Influence of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Rhizome Quality of Arrowroot Intercropped in Coconut. JOURNAL OF ROOT CROPS, 39(2), 127–130. Retrieved from https://ojs338.isrc.in/index.php/jrc/article/view/213

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Research Articles