Abstract
A wide range of traditional tuber crops exist in Malawi. These include several domesticated and wild yam species (Dioscorea species), African potato (Plectranthus esculentus), Disa species, Habenaria walleri and Satyrium species (Williamson, 1975). Most of these are semi domesticated and are used to supplement food crops among smallholder farmers(Malawi Government, 1990 and 1994). The nutritional composition of these tuber is, in most cases, superior over the commonly grown roots and tuber crops like cassava (Manihot esculenta) potato (Solarium tuberosome) and sweet potato ( Ipomea batatas). They are often rich in starch/carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals (Table 1 and 2). Therefore these traditional root and tuber crops play very important roles in the nutrition and economy of the rural families. These crops have a great potential of supplementing in the people’s nutrition through yield improvement and economy if research attention is given to them. There is great potential of developing or selecting for crop varieties or clones adaptable to a wide range of environments.
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Maliro, M.F.A. (2001). The Role and Potential of Traditional Tuber Crops in Malawi. In: Pasternak, D., Schlissel, A. (eds) Combating Desertification with Plants. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1327-8_5
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