Tropical root and tuber crops: cassava, sweet potato, yams and aroids

Abstract

Abstract This second edition aims to summarize the information available on the origin, taxonomy, breeding, physiology, agronomy, pathology and processing of cassava, sweet potato, yams and aroids (including Alocasia, Amorphophallus, Colocasia, Cyrtosperma and Xanthosoma). This book is for researchers, farmers, students and all stakeholders in developing countries to persuade them that imported food dependency is not inevitable. Local crops and local foods for local markets can be promoted while developing agro-processing industries to satisfy local needs. Finally, this book is for those who, working in prestigious international institutions, consider that the tropical root and tuber crops are a mere folk heritage of the past which cannot adapt to modern globalization when, in fact, they represent a rational local solution for development.