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Cultivation edit
Climate requirements edit
Xanthosoma sagittifolium is an adaptable plant that grows optimally in warm and humid conditions and temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius [1]. At lower temperatures and in arid climates, the development of the plant is hindered. For proper development, the plant needs rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year[2].
It is noteworthy that tannia is one of the most shade-tolerant plants, which allows successful cultivation in traditional Agroforestry systems and facilitates intercropping with perennial crops such as bananas, cocoas or oil palms[2][3].
The optimal soil conditions for the plant to thrive are well-drained, loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5[2]. However, Tannia can grow in various soil types, with the exception of hard clay or pure sand, but generally prefers soils high in organic matter[3]. In general, the plant's adaptability allows it to flourish in a wide range of soils and habitats.
Planting edit
The best time for planting depends on the local climatic conditions of the growing region. However, it is suggested to do the planting during the rainy season and when the soil is sufficiently moist[2].
Small parts of the corms or cormels are used for planting. These propagating materials are typically planted at a depth of 7–10 cm, ideally with the growth bud pointing downward[3]. Planting is done in rows half a meter to one meter apart to allow the corms and cormels to develop well and to facilitate the harvest[2]. More dense planting leads to higher yields per field and less weeding, more space results in a higher yield per plant but more weeding work[3]. Crop Management is done manually using simple tools such as digging sticks or bush knives.
Harvesting edit
The typical tannia plant has a 9 to 11 months growing cycle[4]. During this time, it produces a large stem called a corm, which is surrounded by smaller edible cormels about the size of potatoes. Harvesting these edible aroids typically occurs when the leaves start to turn yellow. During the growth cycle, a plant typically produces approximately 40-50 leaves, which are usually harvested within a 40-50 day period[2].
Mature cormels can be harvested continuously over an extended period of time, often exceeding 500 days, while the primary mother plant remains in the ground to produce a new crop.[4]
Harvesting is commonly carried out manually or with semi-mechanized equipment. After harvesting, the corms are cured to slow down the rate of physiological and pathological decay of the tuber, which would result in loss of quality[4]. Further losses may occur due to the short shelf life of the tubers. Also storage at ambient temperatures poses a challenge.
- ^ Siqueira, M., Nascimento, W., Pedrosa, M., & Veasey, E. (2023). Agronomic characteristics (varieties or landraces) and potential of Xanthosoma sagittifolium as food and starch source. In M. P. Cereda & O. F. Vilpoux (Eds.), Varieties and Landraces (pp. 261–272). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-90057-7.00010-3
- ^ a b c d e f Jagtap, K. B., & Vilas, C. A. (2017). Tannia. In M. K. Rana (Ed.), Vegetable Crop Science (1st ed.) (pp. 79–86). CRC Press.
- ^ a b c d Manner, H. I. (2011). Farm and Forestry Production and Marketing Profile for Tannia. In C. R. Elevitch (Ed.), Speciality Crops for Pacific Island Agroforestry.
- ^ a b c Opara, L. U. (2003). Edible Aroids: Post-Harvest Operation. Massey University, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.