3rd Edition Of Plant Science and Molecular Biology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Amorphophallus muelleri Blume (known locally as Buk or Buk Khontho in Thai), a native species of the family Araceae found in Indochina. The rich source of glucomannan in tuber or konjac starch has long been utilized in food and medicine. A diversity study of Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne. conducted in the western and northern of Thailand, from 2008 to 2024, revealed that the species is widespread in nature, particularly in the Kanchanaburi, Tak, and Mae Hong Son provinces. For over forty years, vast quantities of wild tubers were harvested and transported to the factories in Lampang and Chiang Mai for konjac starch production. Nowadays, the konjac starch production is become to sustainable conservation strategies. The farmers grow species by small tubers or bulbils (tiny tubers that grow on the leaf midrib or petiole). Highland areas with moist soil and lower temperatures during the rainy season are ideal for tuber production. Harvesting occurs in the winter, after which the crop is sent to the powder factories. Traders and transporters must possess authorization documents from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Despite the high demand for konjac powder in domestic and international food and medicine industries, production faces significant challenges, including geopolitical instability and conflict in neighboring Myanmar.