Sago: the preferred starch source in Southeast Asia

Stanton, W. R. (1982) Sago: the preferred starch source in Southeast Asia. [Proceedings Paper]

The dominating role of starch, compared to other carbohydrates and fats as storage materials, is explained on physiological grounds and it is pointed out that it fulfills this role in trees, as well as herbaceous and lower plants. The tree-like forms, the palms, which constitute a component of the rainforest flora and may dominate the equatorial swamp forest, include genera in which starch may be 50% of the dry matter, fulfilling both a storage and structural function. This form of rainforest has enabled relatively dense rainforest settlement to take place and is an ecological common denominator to the cultural and genetic heterogeneity of Southeast Asian humanity. The eco-farming systems, based particularly on the true sago palms, Metroxylon spp., are considered as models, having attributes which may be emphasised in relation to the demands of society for energy and industry, exploiting in particular bioprocesses using starch. Yields are compared with those of other tropical feculants. The favourable labour, material and energy economy of culture, transport and processing of their palms are features which make them attractive to current dictates of labour and energy economy. It is explained how existing feral material may be transformed and new plantings economically established. Special attention is paid to those features of the palms which enable them to exploit otherwise low intrinsic value land- water systems.

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Abstract

The dominating role of starch, compared to other carbohydrates and fats as storage materials, is explained on physiological grounds and it is pointed out that it fulfills this role in trees, as well as herbaceous and lower plants. The tree-like forms, the palms, which constitute a component of the rainforest flora and may dominate the equatorial swamp forest, include genera in which starch may be 50% of the dry matter, fulfilling both a storage and structural function. This form of rainforest has enabled relatively dense rainforest settlement to take place and is an ecological common denominator to the cultural and genetic heterogeneity of Southeast Asian humanity. The eco-farming systems, based particularly on the true sago palms, Metroxylon spp., are considered as models, having attributes which may be emphasised in relation to the demands of society for energy and industry, exploiting in particular bioprocesses using starch. Yields are compared with those of other tropical feculants. The favourable labour, material and energy economy of culture, transport and processing of their palms are features which make them attractive to current dictates of labour and energy economy. It is explained how existing feral material may be transformed and new plantings economically established. Special attention is paid to those features of the palms which enable them to exploit otherwise low intrinsic value land- water systems.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia TP501 A816 1982 Call number.
AGROVOC Term:	sago
AGROVOC Term:	starch
AGROVOC Term:	food industry
AGROVOC Term:	tropical crops
AGROVOC Term:	sago palms > sago palms Prefer using MetroxylonMetroxylon
AGROVOC Term:	food production
AGROVOC Term:	researchers > researchers Prefer using scientistsscientists
AGROVOC Term:	farmers
AGROVOC Term:	yield increases
AGROVOC Term:	sustainable agriculture
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	16 Oct 2024 04:09
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2024 04:09
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/617

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