Morphological characterization and development potential of beneng variety (Xanthosoma undipes K. Koch) Pandeglang - Banten

Abstract

Beneng is a local giant taro that is easily found around the Gunung Karang areas, Pandeglang District, Indonesia. Beneng has the potential to be developed as a commercial crop due to high demand of its product (tuber and leaves). Therefore, the study aimed to characterize the morphology of Beneng, and to analyze its potential development. The research was conducted in Juhut Village, Pandeglang District, Banten Province from 2017 to 2020. Morphological characterization was observed following the guidelines on the descriptor for taro. A series of data were collected from Beneng farmers and the Beneng Association. Beneng is a unique crop with a big yellow tuber. Besides, all parts of the crop are useful and economically valuable. Beneng can grow well under, and well adapted to, low light intensity. Therefore, this crop is suitable as a secondary crop in plantation areas or intercropped with other tall crops. Additionally, Beneng is a food crop with a high carbohydrate content (78%) which is suitable as a fresh product or processed products (flour and chips). Beneng dried leave is also valuable as herbal teas and tobacco. High demand of Beneng product showed that Beneng has a comparative and competitive advantage as compared to other types of taro. Currently, Beneng is marketable for export to other countries. The demand for fresh tuber, flour, and dried leaves reached 60-80, 200, and 300 ton per month, respectively. Our study showed that Beneng plants can produce 10-15 kg fresh tuber or around 100-150 ton per ha, and can be as much as 2 kg per plant dried leaves or around 20 ton per ha, with the total plant growth duration of 8 to 12 month. In order to fill the gap between demand and supply of Beneng products, an expansion of Beneng cultivation is needed through optimizing the arable land around Gunung Karang and surrounding areas.