Effect of plant density and mulching on grow th and yield of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during May-February in 1996-97 and 1997-98 at Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram to study the effect of spacing and mulching on growth, yield and economics of cultivation of arrowroot. Widest spacing ( 60 * 30 cm) favoured vegetative growth profoundly at all stages in both the years. Mulching using any of the materials viz., green leaves, dried leaves or coconut fronds promoted the canopy size and leaf production. Mulching regardless of the material used, significantly promoted rhizome weight in both the years and number of rhizomes in the second year and ultimately proved beneficial for realizing significantly higher rhizome yield. Closer spacing of 30 * 15 cm produced significantly higher rhizome yield. Planting arrowroot at a spacing of 30 * 15 cm to accommodate 2,20,000 plants ha¹ and mulching using green leaves generated maximum net return and benefit cost ratio due to production of high rhizome yield.