Metabolite profiling of Dioscorea (yam) species reveals underutilised biodiversity and renewable sources for high-value compounds

Abstract

Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are a multispecies crop with production in over 50 countries generating ~50 MT of edible tubers annually. The long-term storage potential of these tubers is vital for food security in developing countries. Furthermore, many species are important sources of pharmaceutical precursors. Despite these attributes as staple food crops and sources of high-value chemicals, Dioscorea spp. remain largely neglected in comparison to other staple tuber crops of tropical agricultural systems such as cassava (Manihot esculenta) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). To date, studies have focussed on the tubers or rhizomes of Dioscorea, neglecting the foliage as waste. In the present study metabolite profiling procedures, using GC-MS approaches, have been established to assess biochemical diversity across species. The robustness of the procedures was shown using material from the phylogenetic clades. The resultant data allowed separation of the genotypes into clades, species and morphological traits with a putative geographical origin. Additionally, we show the potential of foliage material as a renewable source of high-value compounds.

High Contiguity de novo Genome Sequence Assembly of Trifoliate Yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) Using Long Read Sequencing

“…The family Dioscoreaceae consists of more than 800 species [56] and the post-harvest hardening phenomenon has only been reported from D. dumetorum [57], outlining the singularity of this species among yam species. We predicted a large number of genes, which will include putative genes controlling the post-harvest hardening on D. dumetorum and many useful bioactive compounds detected in this yam species, which is considered the most nutritious and valuable from a phytomedical point of view [58]. Ongoing work will try to identify these genes and polymorphisms for making them available for subsequent breeding.…”

Agro-ecological suitability assessment of Chinese Medicinal Yam under future climate change

“…are a multispecies crop planted in over 50 countries. Although in comparison with other root and tuber crops, the production of yams is expensive because of high planting and labor costs, a long growing season, and low yield per hectare, they hold cultural and social importance and have preferred organoleptic properties (Price et al 2016). In China, yams have been widely accepted for the reasons of both organoleptic properties and potential medicinal benefits as prescribed by the Traditional Chinese Medicine.…”

Metabolite database for root, tuber, and banana crops to facilitate modern breeding in understudied crops

“…The diversity of compound classes recorded was highest in yam and cassava, then banana, sweet potato, and lowest in potato (Figure a). This finding is not unsurprising, given that cassava was most intensively studied (most accessions and on all platforms) and yam is a multispecies crop and large biochemical diversity has previously been evidenced across the genus (Price et al , ). In line with this, yam presented the highest proportion of unknowns ( c. 50%, Figure a); despite not undergoing LC‐MS study as per the other crops.…”