The water (or greater) yam D. alata is the most widely cultivated species of yam, distributed across much of the Pacific Islands, tropical Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and Africa. D. alata also distinguishes itself among the yams by its ability to yield in marginal soil, ease of propagation, high nutritional content, low glycemic index, and low post-harvest losses. Optimal growth and production are constrained, however, by traits such as starch quality and tuber flesh oxidation, and threats including the fungal disease anthracnose. Rigorous understanding of the genetic basis of important traits such as these will aid in the improvement of water yam to better meet the needs of consumers and farmers.

Authors: Bredeson, J.V.; Lyons, J.B.; Ogunleye, I.; Hřibová, E.; Parker, M.; Shu, S.; Carlson, J.W.; Kariba, R.; Muthemba, S; Knop, K.; Schurch, N.; Lopez-Montes, A.; Abberton, M.; Asiedu, R.; Jamnadass, R.; Muchugi, A.; Egesi, C.N.; Amele, A.A.; Featherson, J.; Simpson, G.; Doležel, J.; Hendre, P.; Van Deynze, A.; Obidiegwu, J.; Bhattacharjee, R.; Rokhsar, D.

Subjects: genetic resources, genomes, orphan crops

Publication type: Conference paper, Publication

Year: 2020