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Arrowroot
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Arrowroot

Maranta arundinacea
Family: Marantaceae
Typical yield 15.0 t/ha
Varieties 1
Pest/Disease 3
Seasons 1

Profile

Growth habit
perennial
Lifecycle (days)
240-360
Primary uses
Starch root
Pollination
insect
Origin / distribution
Tropics

Environment

Climate

Temp optimal
22–30 °C
Rain optimal
1400–2200 mm/yr
Altitude
0–1600 m

Soil

pH optimal
5.5–6.8
Soil type
Deep loam; moist

Farmer Guide

Row spacing
100 cm
Plant spacing
60 cm
Depth
6 cm
Seed rate
1500 kg/ha
Nursery days
Planting: Plant healthy rhizome setts in well-prepared moist beds; maintain mulch to conserve moisture.
Transplanting: Not typically transplanted; use setts directly.
Irrigation: Requires consistent moisture; maintain evenly moist soil, avoid stagnation.
Fertigation: If under drip, provide small N/K feedings during rapid growth.
Pest scouting: Scout for weevils and leaf spots; ensure sanitation and rotation.
Pruning/Training: Remove senescent leaves to reduce disease pressure.
Harvest: Harvest 8–12 months after planting when leaves begin to yellow; lift carefully to avoid breakage.
Postharvest: Cure briefly in shade; store cool and dry; process promptly for starch.

Nutrient Schedule

#StageDAPProductRateTargets (kg/ha)Notes
1 Basal 0 NPK 12-24-12 150 kg/ha N: —, P₂O₅: —, K₂O: —
2 Topdress 60 CAN 26% N 120 kg/ha N: —, P₂O₅: —, K₂O: — Irrigate after application

Nutrient Requirements

NutrientStageAmountUnit
N Basal 40 kg/ha
P₂O₅ Basal 30 kg/ha
K₂O Basal 60 kg/ha
N Topdress 40 kg/ha

Images

Arrowroot
Name Country Maturity Traits
Local Arrowroot KE 300 High starch
Stage Product Rate (kg/ha) Notes
Basal NPK 12-24-12 150
Topdress CAN 26% N 120 Split if soils are light
Name Type Symptoms Management
Weevils pest Root damage Clean seed pieces; sanitation
Leaf spots disease Spots on foliage Improve airflow; avoid overhead irrigation; use protectants if needed
Root rots disease Wilting; root decay Avoid waterlogging; rotate; use healthy planting material
System Typical Min Max Notes
rainfed 15 8 25
Country Region Planting Harvest
KE Humid lowlands Mar–Apr Oct–Jan
Country Region Suitability
KE Humid lowlands High
KE Riverine/irrigated zones High
KE Sub-humid zones Medium