Abstract
AbstractThe tropical sago palms are increasingly regarded as having a major role as energy crops, but many aspects of them are little known. In this study samples of pith were obtained from Metroxylon sagu Roxb. in West Java and South Kalimantan, Indonesia, and from Arenga pinnata Merr. in West Java. Starch content of pith samples obtained from commercially harvested logs varied between 18.8 and 38.8% (fresh weight) for M. sagu and 10.5 and 36.7% for A. pinnata. However core samples of pith obtained in West Java from standing palms of M. sagu suitable for commercial use or from palms of similar dimensions and appearance, gave a much wider range of starch values; from 0.3 to 32.9% (fresh weight). Starch content was highly correlated with water content. Free sugars occurred at up to 5% (fresh weight) and in samples of very low dry matter content there was more sugar than starch. Predominant simple sugars were glucose, fructose and sucrose. Maltose was not detected. Crude protein and fat were negligible constituents. In addition samples were analysed for NDF, ADF, cellulose, lignin, ash, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. Pith residues obtained following starch extraction in village mills were found to contain significant amounts of starch.
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