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

Abstract

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.