Impact of Glyphosate Herbicide on Growth and Rhizome Production in Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.)

Renato Teles Neves ¹, Josimara Nolasco Rondon ^2*, Marney Pascoli Cereda ³, Francilina Araujo Costa ⁴

This study evaluates glyphosate's effect on arrowroot growth, highlighting its impact on rhizome production and plant health.

Abstract

Background: Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.) is a starchy, herbaceous plant with significant agricultural and industrial value, particularly in the production of starch. While herbicides like glyphosate are commonly used in agriculture, their effects on arrowroot cultivation, especially concerning growth and rhizome production, remain underexplored. This study investigates the impact of glyphosate on arrowroot growth, rhizome yield, and soil properties. Methods: The study was conducted at Fazenda Escola, UCDB, in Campo Grande-MS, Brazil, using the Common cultivar of arrowroot. Two soil analyses were performed: one before planting millet (Pennisetum glaucum) to assess soil structure, and another after its incorporation to evaluate physical and chemical improvements. The plants were subjected to two weed control treatments: glyphosate application and manual weeding. Growth parameters, chlorophyll content, and rhizome yield were assessed at different stages of development. Results: Soil analysis revealed significant improvements in soil structure and nutrient content after millet incorporation. Glyphosate-treated plants showed delayed growth in height and a decrease in leaf number compared to manually weeded plants. Chlorophyll content was lower in glyphosate-treated plants but not significantly detrimental to plant health. Glyphosate application led to a reduction in rhizome count (2,513 units vs. 4,953 units in control), though the size and weight of individual rhizomes were minimally affected. Rhizomes from glyphosate-treated plants were slightly larger in diameter but lighter than those from the control group. Conclusion: Glyphosate application negatively affected arrowroot’s early growth and rhizome production, leading to fewer rhizomes and reduced leaf number. However, it did not substantially alter rhizome size. The results suggest that glyphosate application may impair the overall yield of arrowroot rhizomes, which is critical for starch production. Therefore, glyphosate is not recommended for weed control in arrowroot cultivation, as it adversely impacts rhizome yield and could hinder the plant's starch production potential.

Keywords: Glyphosate, arrowroot, rhizome production, plant growth, herbicide effects

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