<![CDATA[Abstract. Ieamkheng S, Santibenchakul S, Poonpaerdchon S, Soem B, Sooksawat N. 2024. Growth performance and starch yield potential of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) from various locations in Thailand. Biodiversitas 25: 3750-3757. Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.) is a tuberous type of medicinal that has high starch quality and good health benefits. This research studied the yield and growth characteristics of arrowroot samples from different 5 accessions in Thailand, along with their important properties for commercial use. Samples were collected from 5 field crops in Thailand: Tha Maka District, Kanchanaburi Province (Th-T-K); Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province (Th-Sy-K); Ratchaburi Province (Th-RB); Chanthaburi Province (Th-Chan), and Sa Kaeo Province (Th-SK). The growth rate and yield of Thai arrowroot at 3, 6, and 9 months after planting were evaluated and the starch was extracted and characterized. During 3 months, there was only growth with no tuber yield; at 6 months, the arrowroot from Th-Sy-K had the highest growth rate and yield. The highest yields were at 9 months after planting, with the tuber weight per clump in the range of 596-2,980 g that produced 121.8-150.8 g of starch (8-10% yield). DNA fingerprinting analysis and the molecular study indicated no variation among the 5 accessions of arrowroot, indicating the uniformity and reliability of the samples. The results of the nutritional composition, the amounts of carbohydrates and amylose in the Th-Sy-K and Th-RB samples tended to increase with plant growth. At the same time, other contents, namely moisture, and lipid, decreased. The main component of the arrowroot starch was carbohydrate (87-91%), and the 9-month starch had high viscosity and heat-resistant values. In conclusion, arrowroot starch showed potential as a novel raw material for application in the food industry and possibly in cosmetic and pharmaceutical manufacturing.]]>
