Genetic structure and diversity of East African taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott]

Abstract

Taro [Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott] is mainly produced in. Principal component analysis of microsatellite data indicated variation but did not show any distinct structure. Population diversity estimate was relatively low with the highest being 0.27, for accessions sourced from Lake Victoria basin. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed most variation among individuals within population at 79%. Nei's genetic distance showed that relatedness is not based on geographical proximity. Based on these findings, this study proposes establishment of a regional collection that will be conserved and ensure a broad genetic base for available varieties and enable development of improved varieties through breeding programmes.

Effects of Watering Regimes and Planting Density on Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Growth, Yield, and Yield Components in Embu, Kenya

“…VGI � ((Leaf width × leaf length) × leaf number) × H/ 100) − (suckers + stolons) 2 , where VGI � vegetative growth index and H � plant height.…”

“…Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is a herbaceous, monocotyledonous, perennial stem root crop widely grown in the world's tropical and subtropical areas [1]. Its production has more than doubled in the last decade, making it the ffth most consumed root vegetable in the world [2] and the oldest crop, having been utilized in Southeast Asia and India for over 9000 years [3]. It is one of the most underutilized crops in sub-Saharan Africa and an important staple food in the human diet.…”

Review of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Genetics and Breeding

“…Taxonomy: Taro belongs to genus Colocasia and family Araceae which is made up of at least 100 genera and more than 1500 species [1,9]. According to Tumuhimbise et al and Ubalua et al [15,16] the two most widely cultivated taxonomic varieties include Colocasia esculenta var esculenta and Colocasia esculenta var antiquorum which is commonly known as the dasheen type (Colocasia esculenta var.…”

“…Taro is one of such crops grown for various purposes. It is an erect herbaceous perennial root crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical world belonging to genus Colocasia in the plant family called Araceae [1]. The origin of taro is uncertain and however reported as it was originated and first domesticated in Southeast Asia [2].…”

“…Besides, Verma and Chao reported similarly as taro was cultivated in Asia by small scale farmers and used as staple food crop [13]. On the other hand, taro peels and wastes used as an animal feed and use of its tops left after corms harvested for silage preparation [1].…”