Floral phenology, seed germination and hybrid plants of the Amerindian yam (Dioscorea trifida)

Abstract

The Amerindian yam (Dioscorea trifida) is a food plant native to the Amazon region. Several local varieties are cultivated by traditional family farmers for consumption and local trade. However, socioeconomic processes may be causing species genetic erosion. Knowledge about species sexual reproduction is essential for its conservation and genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to observe the floral phenology, to assess the germination and dormancy of seeds, to conduct controlled pollinations and to select hybrid plants of D. trifida with agronomic potential. Seed dormancy was confirmed and was broken by after-ripening at 28 oC and 80% RH. We carried out controlled pollinations between local landraces and cultivated the resulting hybrid plants in the field. The new genotypes showed high phenotypic variability and tubers with new characteristics, which permitted the selection of genotypes with agronomic potential for further studies. The results contribute to the conservation of agrobiodiversity and genetic improvement for added value of Amazonian native food plants.

Local knowledge as a tool for prospecting wild food plants: experiences in northeastern Brazil

“…With regard to the associated medicinal importance, the species has shown potential for the treatment of food allergies 83 . In terms of propagation, its seeds have dormancy, which can be broken down effectively with storage at 28 °C for a minimum of 15 days 84 . Seed production from open and controlled pollination is easily accomplished 84 .…”

“…In terms of propagation, its seeds have dormancy, which can be broken down effectively with storage at 28 °C for a minimum of 15 days 84 . Seed production from open and controlled pollination is easily accomplished 84 .…”

Flora of Ferruginous Outcrops Under Climate Change: A Study in the Cangas of Carajás (Eastern Amazon)

“…The global deficit of information on interactions has been previously emphasized ( Hortal et al, 2015 ) and considering the Brazilian Amazon, few studies have evaluated interactions. Some studies analyzed plant species of economic interest pollinated by bees ( Cavalcante et al, 2018 ; Krug et al, 2018 ; Beyerlein et al, 2019 ) or by complex systems involving multiple insects ( Dattilo et al, 2012 ; Campbell et al, 2018 ). A small additional amount of data is available on interactions between plants and pollinators in the region, including bees ( Moura et al, 2011 ; Novais and Absy, 2013 ; Ferreira and Absy, 2017 ; Oliveira et al, 2017 ; Milet-Pinheiro et al, 2018 ), beetles ( Seymour and Matthews, 2006 ; Gottsberger and Webber, 2018 ), moths ( Cruz-Neto et al, 2011 ), wasps ( Nazareno et al, 2007 ), birds ( Vicentini and Fischer, 1999 ), and bats ( Gribel et al, 1999 ).…”

Exploring the rich diversity of Hausa potatoes, taro, and yam in East Java

“…(5) purple yam contains high levels of inoline and antioxidants of around 29%/100 g tubers so it has anti-aging roles, immune function, wound healing, bone growth, (6) contains small amounts of vitamin-A and beta-carotene which are functions to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes, protection from lung cancer and the oral cavity; (7) Yam also a vegetable source that is rich in minerals such as copper, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese and phosphorus. 100 g provides about 816 mg of Potassium, and is important for maintaining cells and body fluids, helping to control heart rate and blood pressure by counteracting the hypertensive effects of sodium [19] [20] [21].…”