Tuber starch content of edible canna (Canna indica L.) from different geographical origins

Edible canna (Canna indica L. syn. Canna edulis Ker Gawl.) or Queensland arrowroot is known as underutilized yet functional food due to its excellent eating quality. This plant is harvested as edible starchy rhizome and propagated mostly vegetatively, distinguished by red and green canna for their leaves color. Our previous study found two groups of green canna in IAARD-ICABIOGRAD Gene Bank collection based on their morphological and molecular characters, but their biochemical and physicochemical status, especially on starch content has not been studied yet. This preliminary study aimed to identify starch content in tuber of 13 green canna accessions and to analyze relationship between geographical origin and phenotypic variation on their starch content. As supporting data, water content and dry content were also investigated. Results showed canna tubers from Banyuwangi (accession CI-12) had the highest starch content (15.01%), followed by accessions from Kuningan (CI-08), Bantul (CI-18), and Cilacap (CI-13) with content was >9.5%. High water content (>75%) was found on accessions from Banyumas (CI-09), Bantul (CI-21 and CI-27), Purworejo (CI-14), Kuningan (CI-08), Banyumas (CI-12), and Garut (CI-15). No significant different was observed in starch or water content of respective accessions derived from different origin. Cluster analysis on the respective observation showed two groups of green canna in this study. Further investigation on more accessions or specific starch components were advised to investigate any starch variability to improve utilization of canna as potential food source for health and dietary diversity.