Sago Palm Research Articles

Development of young sago palm environmental monitoring system with wireless sensor networks

• Real-time monitoring of the environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity) of young sago palms in mist chambers. • Establishment of a web-based monitoring system with wireless sensor networks using Zigbee protocol and GPRS gateway. • Reliability and performance of the system is discussed in terms of packet loss rate and mobile data consumption. • Effect of functional system with respect to the environmental factors monitored is analysed. Environmental monitoring plays a significant role in the agriculture field as it manages the critical factors required for sustainable growth of plants, and thus enhancing the quality and productivity of the crops. In this paper, the development of a wireless sensor network (WSN) monitoring system for young sago palms in mist chambers is presented. The effect of the functional system with respect to the environmental factors monitored is also discussed. The system was set up to monitor three environmental factors i.e., temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity. Instantaneous readings of the monitored parameters were made possible through a wireless network and a web portal connection. The system recorded the environmental reading at every 15-min interval and transmitted the data from node to base using the Zigbee network. The data was then stored in an online cloud platform through the general radio packet service (GPRS) gateway. Linear actuators were also installed to control the mist chamber doors opening for natural ventilation and they were automatically triggered by the threshold temperature. Besides, a smart alert system was added to the system prompting for actions via short messaging services (SMS) when triggered. The developed system achieved a reliable data transmission with a low packet loss rate (PLR) of 2.3%. The use of the GPRS gateway also enabled the system to operate at a lower cost as the mobile data consumption was low (10 MB per month). In conclusion, a WSN system for mist chambers in a sago palm greenhouse was successfully developed to real-time monitor the plant growing environment through data acquisition, data transmission and data visualisation. The developed WSN system had laid a foundation for smart farming. For future applications, the system could be further modified and developed for precision agriculture.

PENINGKATAN PRODUKTIFITAS PADA UNIT PRODUKSI GULA SAGU UP2K SUNGAI TOHOR MELALUI PENERAPAN TEKNIK PENGERINGAN DENGAN CABINATE DRYER SAGO SUGAR

Sungai Tohor Village is located in East Tebing Tinggi District, Meranti Islands Regency, Riau Province which has great potential in the field of processing sago plants. In Sungai Tohor Village, there is a Family Income Improvement Business unit (UP2K) which has produced and marketed processed sago palm products in the form of sago sugar. Sago sugar has more advantages compared to other types of sugar besides its relatively cheap price, this sugar also has a low glycemic level making it suitable for people with diabetes. However, high market demand with low production capacity makes it difficult for sago sugar to meet the target. These problems arise because the production time of sago sugar is quite long around 4-5 days, this is due to the traditional drying of sugar because there is no technology that can be used in drying sago sugar effectively and efficiently. The purpose of this activity is to transfer knowledge and assistance in the process of drying the product. The method used is training and practice by the PKM-PI team at the University of Riau regarding the use of drying technology with the Cabinet Dryer Sago Sugar (CADESAR) drying device. Drying technology using CADESAR can improve the quantity and quality of sago sugar products. This technology can reduce production time by using a pressurized hot steam drying system, as one of the drying methods in the modern sugar industry, so that it can increase the amount of production and be more hygienic. The results of the training show that UP2K members can understand and practice knowledge of drying technology well. It is hoped that this will increase the productivity of their sago sugar business.

Eco-Economically Indispensable Borneo-Endemic Flora and Fauna: Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus), Malaysian Mahseer (Tor tambroides), Engkabang (Shorea macrophylla), Sarawak Rasbora (Rasbora sarawakensis) and Sago Palm (Metroxylon sagu)

The Borneo Island is the third-largest island and one of the greenest islands on earth. It is the natural habitat to various endemic flora and fauna such as the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), Malaysian mahseer (Tor tambroides), engkabang (Shorea macrophylla), Sarawak rasbora (Rasbora sarawakensis) and sago palm (Metroxylon sagu). In this mini review, we ventured into the current research, eco-economical aspects and potentials of each species and further provided future perspectives and recommendations to drive future research to greater heights besides supporting conservation endeavours.

The 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Plantation (ICSP): Improving Added Value of Plantation Crops through Sustainable Plantation

A. SUMMARY OF CONFERENCE 1. Introduction 1.1. Background The Covid-19 pandemic has caused shocks not only in the health aspect but also in all aspects of the global community‟s life. It has significant effect in all sectors of the economy, including the agricultural sector. However, the agricultural sector, including the plantation sub-sector, is a sector that has been able to survive and even shows positive growth. On the other hand, the agricultural commodities from the plantation sector have been significant in job opportunities and export earnings. Major plantation crops such as oil palm, coconut, sago palm, rubber, coffee, cacao, tea, pepper, clove, medicinal plants, and sugarcane may continue their significant contribution to the economy of many tropical countries. These countries will still dominate as the world‟s leading producers of those plantations, at least soon. Plantation and agricultural sectors are labor-intensive. As these sectors are steadily expanding, a reliable workforce requirement has become one of the major issues resulting in huge dependency on capacity development to fulfill the rising need.The 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Plantation (ICSP) was virtually-held in collaboration between the Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University with Indonesian Center for Estate Crops Research and Development (ICECRD), The Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development (IAARD), with involving the Indonesian Palmae Crops Research Institute (IPCRI), Indonesian Industrial and Beverage Crops Research Institute (IIBCRI), Indonesian Spice and Medicinal Crops Research Institute (ISMCRI), and Indonesian Sweetener and Fiber Crops ResearchList of Table, Images, Paper Publication, Funding Acknowledgements, Special Acknowledgements, List Of Committee, Organizing Committee are available in this pdf.

Molecular characteristic on intra-species of Metroxylon sagu from Papua, Indonesia by nad2 and matK genes

Abstract. Abbas B, Mawikere NL, Tjolli I, Arsyad M, Munarti. 2021. Molecular characteristic on intra-species of Metroxylon sagu from Papua, Indonesia by nad2 and matK genes. Biodiversitas 22: 5302-5310. Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) is a palm that is capable accumulated a lot of starch for food in the trunk. The molecular characterization of sago palm is very important as identities of biological existence in the certain areas. This study aimed to reveal molecular characteristic on intra-species of M. sagu from Papua based on NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (nad2) gene and maturase K (matK) gene. 15 accessions were used in this study. Sequences of nad2 gene on some accessions of M. sagu were shown that no differences. The nad2 gene on some accessions of M. sagu was inferred only one haplotype and the matK gene were inferred two haplotypes. The highest frequencies of the nucleotide in both nad2 and matK gene were calculated thymine (T). The amino acid leucine was the most common, accounting for 11.44% of haplotype-1 and 11.50% of haplotype-2. The amino acids alanine, cysteine, and methionine have the lowest rates, with 1.99% for haplotype-1 and 2.00% for haplotype-2. The evolutionary relationships were shown no mutation rates occur in the nad2 gene and lower mutation rates occur in the matK gene on M. sagu. Based on the genotype-2 (Sagu01, Sagu02, Sagu08, Sagu12, and Sagu15) is proposed to be new variety.

Growth prediction of sago palm (Metroxylon sagu) in Thailand using the Linear Mixed-effect model

Abstract. Jariyapong M, Roongtawanreongsri S, Romyen A. Somboonsuke B, 2021. Growth prediction of sago palm (Metroxilon sagu) in Thailand using the Linear Mixed-effect model. Biodiversitas 22: 5293-5301. A living sago palm is a potential resource for carbon sequestration in peat swamp. It can provide benefits for agriculturists and environmental sustainability. This study’s aim is to create a growth prediction of sago palm size at individual ages using a linear mixed-effect model. The sample palms were selected from 43 sago palm parents which have been re-measured and recorded at intervals of 2-20 years. The experimental plot was on deep peat soil (with peat depth at over 2.5 m) at Phru Todaeng Swamp Forest, Southern Thailand. To find the best model for growth prediction, we used a traditional linear model (Model 1 and 4) and linear mixed-effect models (Model 2, 3, 5 and 6) to generate the relationship between age, diameter, and height. The best model was selected based on considering the smallest Akaike’s Information Criteria (AIC), the Bayes Information Criteria (BIC), and the absolute mean error (AME). The results showed the smallest values of AIC, BIC, and AME in Model 3 which produced the best model for predicting the total overall growth in sago palm. The age and diameter under the independent variable were statistically significant (? = 0.01); these two factors influenced the sago palm height rate. Hence, this model can be used to predict the overall growth of sago palms, which is useful for biomass estimation and calculating the carbon sequestration of planted sago palms. The carbon sequestration in living sago palm can be compared with other commercial crops for future benefit. This approach can lead to a future solution for wetland management and land-use changes.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Communities in the Roots of Sago Palm in Mineral and Shallow Peat Soils

Communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in plant roots improve host plant growth. In this study, AMF communities in the roots of the sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) were investigated in mineral soil (MS) and shallow peat soil (SPS) in Sarawak, Malaysia. MS exhibited lower moisture content (MS, 38.1; SPS, 79.8%), higher pH (H2O) (MS, 4.6; SPS, 4.1), higher soil bulk density (MS, 1.03; SPS, 0.20 g cm−3), and higher nitrogen content (MS, 16.9; SPS, 2.7 kg m−3) than SPS at the same soil depth, while the phosphorus (P) content (Bray II) (MS, 1.6; SPS, 1.9 g P2O5 m−3) was similar. The AMF colonization rate was significantly lower in SPS (39.2 ± 12.5%) than in MS (73.2 ± 4.6%). The higher number of AMF operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was detected by amplicon sequencing of the partial small-subunit rRNA gene (MS, 78; SPS, 50). A neighbor-joining tree of obtained OTUs revealed that they belonged to Acaulosporaceae, Ambisporaceae, Claroideoglomeraceae, Gigasporaceae, and Glomeraceae. The lower abundance and diversity of AMF in SPS are possibly caused by abiotic factors, including soil physicochemical properties. Glomus and Acaulospora species detected in SPS might have strong tolerance against acidity and high soil moisture content.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SAGO FROND SAP FROM TWO SELECTED GROWTH STAGES; ANGKAT PUNGGUNG AND UPONG MUDA PALMS

Sago frond is produced in abundance upon harvesting of the sago palms for starch extraction, hence need to be utilized and developed into beneficial products. In this study, the sap which contains sugars and starch is obtained by roller crushing the skinned frond for use as fermentation medium. Fronds from different growth stages (namely Angkat punggung and Upong muda) and different positions within the rosette (inner and outer circle) of the sago palm were studied. Based on the results, the outer circle frond of Upong muda palm gave the highest volume of sap at 290mL/kg which equivalent to 1600 mL/frond. On top of that, sago frond sap has an acidic pH, with glucose as major sugar component and contained various kinds of minerals like calcium, potassium and manganese. All fronds from different growth stages contain glucose between 28-68 g/L and xylose 21-29 g/L, respectively. After 21 days of storage, it can be concluded that the amount of reducing sugars and starch in all samples obtained from different growth stages remained almost unchanged from the original. Subsequently after this study, both fresh and stored sago frond sap can be used as a fermentation substrate without any modification.

Genome survey of sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottboll)

The sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottboll) is a halophytic, underrated starch-producing palm that is both disease resistant and capable of producing a high yield of storage starch. It is deemed the future tree of life as it has a high potential to be cultivated for its starch to solve global food security issues in the future. Due to low scientific interest of this palm, scarcity of its genomic information has halted our comprehension on the mechanism behind its starch biosynthesis as well as salt and disease resistance pathways. In this study, we report on the genome survey and microsatellite analysis of sago palm. Based on the k-mer statistical approach, the sago palm has an estimated genome size of 464 Mbp to 616 Mbp, consisting of 31.9 to 35.7% repetitive sequence. The heterozygosity of the individual sequenced, a true sago palm clonal breed, was 0.63 to 0.66%. A sum of 123,430,321,878 clean bases were yielded from the 124,258,713,300 raw bases. BUSCO analysis revealed that only around 22% of the 1375 single copy plant genes are complete in both sago palm genome scaffolds and contigs whereas the remaining are missing (~45%) and fragmented (~32%). The fragmented genome assembly generated from short-read Illumina data is likely due to the high repetitiveness of the genome. It is recommended that a long-read sequencing to be carried out to improve the genome information of sago palm. The Illumina data generated in this study will be instrumental for polishing the genome assembly generated from a long-read assembly that is known to be error-prone.

First report of Aulacaspis rosae (Bouché, 1833) (Diaspididae) in Tunisia

AbstractIn 2017 and 2018, from June to October, unusual damage was observed on Japanese sago palm (Cycas revoluta) (Cycadaceae), in several towns in Tunisia: Ariana (Ariana governorate), Tunis (Tunis governorate), and Akouda and Chott Mariem (Sousse Governorate). Leaf samples were collected and brought to the laboratory for observation. Morphological identification confirmed the presence of Aulacaspis rosae (Diaspididae). This is the first record of A. rosae in Tunisia.

Isolation and Identification of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria from Sago Palm (Metroxylon sagu, Rottb.).

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are strains of naturally occurring soil bacteria that live in close vicinity to the plant’s rhizosphere region which possess the capability to augment host growth. This study was conducted to isolate and identify potential PGPR isolates indigenous to Metroxylon sagu, Rottb. rhizosphere. These potential isolates were characterised based on their beneficial plant growth promoting (PGP) properties and identified by molecular analysis via 16S rDNA sequencing. A total of 18 isolates were successfully isolated, out of which five isolates were tested, and designated as (S1A, S2B, S3A, S3C and S42). Among the five isolates, two isolates (S2B and S3C) were found to produce high levels of indole-3-acetic acid (2.96 μg/mL and 10.31 μg/mL), able to fix nitrogen and show significant activity in phosphate solubilisation. The analysis of their sequences via National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) suggested their close identity towards Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis. It can be concluded that the isolated PGPR possesses beneficial PGP attributes. It can be implied that the isolated PGPR are potential to be used as inoculant biofertilisers, beneficial for Metroxylon sagu, Rottb. growth. Hence, further studies need to be done to evaluate the effectiveness of the beneficial microbes towards sago seedlings growth, under pot experiment.

The spatial distribution of sago palm landscape Sentani watershed in Jayapura District, Papua Province, Indonesia

Abstract. Dimara PA, Purwanto RH, Sunarta S, Wardhana W. 2021. The spatial distribution of sago palm landscape Sentani watershed in Jayapura District, Papua Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3811-3820. Sago palm is one of the starch sources used as local food in Papua, therefore this research aims to identify the supporting environment for the plant to grow by utilizing spatial data. The methods used were Spatial Analysis and Field Survey, where the first employed satellite imagery of Quickbird in 2012 and Landsat 8 in 2020 to distinguish between sago and non-sago palm landscape. In the process, five parameters were used, consisting of covering land elevation, slope gradient, soil type, rainfall as well as the optimal distance from the river and lake. The result showed the sago palm landscape in Sentani Watershed lies in the elevation of 0-450 m asl, while its largest habitat which lies between 0-100 m asl covering an area of 4,385.63 is found in a flat slope covering an area of 2,941.99 ha and in a very steep slope that spreads out over 41.92 ha. Generally, in Sentani Watershed, the plant grows in Mediterranean soil possessing thick solum with pH 5.0-7.0 and medium to great soil erodibility. Moreover, the largest habitat experiences a precipitation rate of 1,750 mm yr-1 covering a total of 6,846.24 ha, while the Doyo River has the largest sago palm landscape compared to other rivers.

Characterisation of pH-shift-produced protein isolates from sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) larvae

Farm-raised sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) larvae (SPWL) can be used as a protein source for food sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the potential of pH-shift processing as a cold refinery approach to produce protein isolate from SPWL. Maximum solubility of SPWL protein was observed at pH 2.0 (acid-aided process) and pH 11.5 (alkaline-aided process). The zeta-potential of the protein solution was close to zero with the lowest solubility at pH 4.5. So, the protein precipitation was performed at this pH. Although both acid and alkaline methods yielded roughly 66% protein, their nutritional and techno-functional features differed based on the pH-shifting process. The alkaline-produced protein isolate had higher essential amino acid (EAA) content and EAA index but it was darker in colour. The acid-produced protein isolate had larger levels of umami-taste-active and functional amino acids, as well as a higher emulsifying capability.

Peat Land Oil Palm Farmers’ Direct and Indirect Benefits from Good Agriculture Practices

With economically unsustainable metroxylon sagu (sago palms) found in peat lands, small scale farmers are gradually converting their land to oil palm cultivation. Good agriculture practices (GAP) were inculcated to peat land farmers to ensure that the environmental ecosystem is conserved and oil palm productivity is enhanced, along with the farmer’s well-being. The present study examined the effect of GAP on farm performance and the perceived economic well-being of the peat land oil palm farmers. We interviewed randomly selected farmers with assistance from a locally trained native enumerator to complete the survey questionnaire. We conducted partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to incorporate direct and indirect benefits on farmers’ economic well-being to estimate the significance of GAP. The empirical results show that GAP have direct positive effects on farm performance. Such practices lead to significant positive impacts on the economic well-being of peat land oil palm farmers. This solid evidence makes it much easier for small-scale farmers to convert from conventional farming to environmentally friendly farming, and ensures safe and healthy oil palm cultivation.

Soil properties and infiltration rate in sago palm (Metroxylon sago) forest in Rongkong Watershed South Sulawesi

Sago palm, one of the dominant wetland vegetation in the Rongkong Watershed, contributes to groundwater recharge through its ability to pass water into the ground. This study aims to determine the effect of sago forest canopy density on the infiltration rate in the middle and downstream zones of the Rongkong Watershed in South Sulawesi. Other independent variables were soil texture, permeability, bulk density, porosity, soil organic matter, initial soil moisture, water level, air temperature, and air humidity. The relationship between the independent variables on the infiltration rate was analyzed using multiple linear regression. Infiltration rate observes with ponded infiltration method at five density classes of sago forest. The results showed that the infiltration rate in the middle stream increased along with the increase of density classes of sago forests. The downstream, on the other hand, has an insignificant difference between density classes. The result of the regression analysis showed that the coefficient of determination in the middle and downstream zones was 64.5 % and 38.5 %, respectively. The simultaneous test of variable significance in the middle stream shows that the sago forest canopy density, groundwater level, initial soil moisture, and air humidity significantly affect a p-value <0.05.

Ecological study of Sago Palm (Metroxylon sagu Rott ver molat (Becc.)) in the natural habitat at Malili District East Luwu South Sulawesi

Sago palm (Metroxylon sago), a tropical plant which mostly grows naturally and distributed in Eastern Part of Indonesia (including Wallacea Zone). However, currently the existing of sago palm is facing threats for food security in the future due to land conversion and life cycle of sago palm is a long term periode (10 – 15 years). The objective of this research were to: 1) Analyses of population structure of sago palm; 2) Regeneration potency of sago palm; and 3) describe habitat characteristic of sago palm. The research was conducted in April to August 2017 at Wewangriu Village Malili District. The circle plots (each 314 m2) were purpossively established in a lowland sago palm area based on growth phase of sago palm. The pole and tree diameter were measured at breast height (1.30 m) above the trunk, but sapling and seedling were only counted the number of individals. Moreover, environmental factors were measured directly at every center of plot. The result of research showed that population of sago palm in natural habitat was dominated by sapling with 226 individuals, then followed by seedling was 177 individuals. The regeneration potency of sago palm was categorized Fair based on relatif density and relatif frequency. Related to habitat characteristic or microclimate conditions, the temperature was hot and dry with ranged form 28.7°C to 29.5°C. Hydorology parameters such as water pH was about 6.0 to 7.9. Especially soil propeties was dominated by silty clay and clay with slightly acid condition (soil pH 6.2 and 6.3). Maintaining the existence of sago palm, it is necessary to protect and preserve it in the natural habitat.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Approach on the Production of Sago Sucker for Cultivation

Sago palm is one of the commodities being cultivated and traded in Malaysia for its high starch content. Sago seedling, or commonly referred to as sucker, is the planting material for sago cultivation. This paper discusses the life cycle assessment approach for the calculation of life cycle inventory for the production of one sago sucker. In this study, the functional unit is defined as one sago sucker. The process starts from the reception of suckers from suppliers, raft preparation, planting sago suckers in rafts, fertilization, and ends with transportation of the suckers to the plantation. Interviews and data verification were done on-site at the Crop Research and Application Unit (CRAUN) Sungai Talau Research Station. LCI data showed that water was the main input for the production of sago sucker, followed by diesel for transportation, pesticides, and fertilisers. The outcome of this study provides a basis or guideline to planters in implementing sago best agricultural practices for the production of sustainable sago.

Insights into the effects of dietary supplements on the nutritional composition and growth performance of sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) larvae

Nutritional composition and growth performance of sago palm weevil larvae (SPWL) fed with ground sago palm trunk mixed with different supplements including commercial pig feed, rice bran, cornmeal, soybean meal, and perilla seed were evaluated. SPWL fed with supplemented diets were richer in protein, lipid, and mineral contents (p < 0.05). Marked increases in polyunsaturated fatty acids (10.75-fold) and omega-3 fatty acids (25.42-fold) with the lowest n-6:n-3 ratio, atherogenicity index, and thrombogenicity index were found in SPWL fed with perilla seed (p < 0.05). Perilla seed, cornmeal, and soybean meal improved essential amino acid content and essential amino acid index of SPWL. Growth performance varied, depending on feed compositions, where a comparable or even greater effect was observed in SPWL fed with supplemented diets compared to control. Therefore, plant-based supplements, especially perilla seed, efficiently improved nutritional quality of SPWL, making them more attractive in terms of nutritional and economical value.

The question of Early Lapita settlements in Remote Oceania and reliance on horticulture revisited: new evidence from plant microfossil studies at Reef/Santa Cruz, south-east Solomon Islands. In From Field to Museum—Studies from Melanesia in Honour of Robin Torrence, ed. Jim Specht, Val Attenbrow, and Jim Allen

Since the earliest discoveries of Lapita sites in Remote Oceania there has been ongoing debate about the nature of Pacific island colonisation. In the 1970s, based on the archaeological material from the SE-RF-2 and SE-RF-6 sites on the Reef Islands in the SE Solomons, Roger Green proposed that early Lapita communities there must have relied on horticulture as the mainstay of subsistence. Our analyses of phytoliths and starch in sediments and on pottery has found evidence for burning, food preparation and cooking in conjunction with a suite of wild and domesticated plants indicative of horticulture. Starch and phytoliths from seeded Australimusa (syn: Callimusa) bananas as well as domesticated Eumusa (syn: Musa) bananas were recovered, as well as Colocasia esculenta (taro) starch, and Metroxylon sp. (sago palm) phytoliths. Hence, Green’s early hypothesis finds support, but more analyses, together with more precise dating are needed to clarify the time taken to establish sustainable horticulture. The importation of selected plants is confirmed, with potential sources being the Bismarck region or stop-over islands along the way. This was followed by ongoing on-site breeding and/or new introductions from further human migrations into the region and establishment of trade and exchange networks.

Analysis of Fire Catchers in Sago Palm Smallholding Plantations on Peatland in Tebing Tinggi Timur, Kepulauan Meranti District, Riau Province

Fire on peatlands takes place not only in areas where preparation for cultivation is in progress, but also in areas that have been cultivated, such as for sago palm growing. One of the important factors that influence the vulnerability of cultivated peatlands to fire is the availability and amount of biomass fuel that easily catches fire, such as ferns, grasses, and broadleaved shrubs in their living as well as dead (litter) stages. The present study concerns the vulnerability of peatland utilized for sago growing by smallholders, focused in Tebing Tinggi Timur, Kepulauan Meranti District, Riau Province. The objectives of this study were to analyze the composition and assess the biomass of fire catchers in the sago palm plantation. Data collection was conducted in three locations in Kepau Baru Village. In each location, a 1000 m-long transect line was drawn and 10 sampling plots of 2 m x 2 m were established along the line with 100 m intervals. Results showed that total biomass of fire catchers in this growing system was averaged at 24681 kg/ha, in which the dead plant fraction was predominating (average at 17478 kg/ha or 70.81%) over the living plant fraction (in average 7203 kg/ha or 29.19%). The latter consisted of ferns that averaged at 2.191 kg/ha or 30.42%, grasses (20 kg/ha or 0.28%), non-woody broadleaved shrubs (581 kg/ha or 8.07%), and woody broadleaved shrubs (4411 kg/ha or 61.24%). The amount of fire catchers in relatively large quantities in this plantation system could magnify fire risk during drier months, especially during El-nino years.&#x0D; Keywords: biomass, fire risk, grasses, non-woody broadleaved shrubs, woody broadleaved shrubs