INDONESIAN KONJAC (Amorphophallus muelleri)

This book talks about a wild plant called Indonesian Konjac (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) which has high economic value and potential in fighting the global food crisis. Thus, it can contribute to global food security if it is cultivated properly and appropriately. Starting with a brief history of this plant, the main topics of discussion are focused on plant characters, nursery process, agronomy practice, planting management, harvesting including post-harvest handling, and an analysis of production costs. The book ends with a General Remarks section which contains important points in the domestication program. The economic potential of the plant lies in the compound called glucomannan. It is not only economically valuable as the principal ingredient in many industries but, in the form of flour made from the plant’s tuber, it can also be used as the main ingredient in making analogous rice, analogous noodles, and other foods to substitute the traditional food in the framework of global food security. As a wild plant, Indonesian Konjac can be cultivated without difficulty in tropical countries similar to Indonesia.