Variance of Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) Starch Granule Morphology among Five Different Provinces in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) is an underutilized tuber crop in Sri Lanka that produces a gluten-free, easily digestible starch. This research aimed to determine the variance of arrowroot starch granular morphology among the plants grown in five different provinces (Western, North-Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Uva). Arrowroot starch granules were observed using the light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Oval, irregular globular and spherical shapes were the predominant granule shapes for arrowroot. The mean percentage of oval shaped granules ranged between 48.46 % - 59.34 %.          The length and width of the granules were not significantly different among the five provinces. The length of the starch granules ranged between 42.91 - 45.86 µm while the width ranged between 30.81 – 32.32 µm. Arrowroot flour samples from five different provinces in Sri Lanka were not significantly different with regard to the starch granular morphology and therefore, arrowroot flour can be utilized in the local food industry without concerning their geographical locations.