The initial growth of tacca (Tacca leontopetaloides) as food crops in the agroforestry pattern with malapari

Abstract

Indonesia has many types of carbohydrate sources. Tacca (Tacca leontopetaloides) has potential as a source of the functional food industry, especially maltotriose and maltotetraose production. Tacca grows well in an open or a shaded area on sandy soil-mineral, soil pH is slightly alkaline, with very low to low Cation Exchange Capacity. Malapari (Pongamia pinnata) is a biofuel-producing plant with a natural distribution on coastal land. Planting combination between malapari as an energy-producing plant and tacca as a food source has never existed. So, it needs to be incentives in developing agroforestry that can provide intermediate results for farmers. The requirement of good quality tacca seedlings is a crucial factor in supporting food security. This study aimed to determine the effect of the types of tacca seeds used on the initial growth of tacca. The study used a randomized complete block design consisting of 3 (three) treatments: a) large tubers, b) small tubers, and c) the origin of seeds. The results showed that plants from large tubers produced the highest number of shoots, height, and diameter (5.83; 27.77 cm and 0.43 cm). Five years old malapari reaches a diameter of 6.95 cm, a height of 3.89 m, and a crown width of 2.43 m.