Articles tagged with: yam
Since its inception, IITA R4D efforts have focused on developing new varieties of yam with desired agronomic and quality traits and to improve yam-based cropping systems. Research on biotechnology of yam includes tissue culture, genetic transformation, and development and use of molecular markers.
This article talks about progress in using genomics for transforming yam breeding. Yam is an economically important staple food for more than 300 million people in West Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Caribbean.
IITA and partners recently launched the Yam Improvement for Income and Food Security in West Africa (YIIFSWA) project to boost yam productivity and double the incomes of three million yam small-holder farmers in West Africa.
Plant Physiologist Hidehiko Kikuno describes the new technology of producing yam seed tubers. The technology combines growing vine cuttings on carbonized rice husks and in vitro micropropagation (tissue culture). It is quick, cost-effective, and results in clean planting materials.
What makes yam so important to the people of West Africa and some countries in the Pacific? Read about the legend of how yam and cocoyam became important crops to the Ibo peopple of Nigeria, and how the festival is celebrated.
IITA emphasizes the imperatives of yam conservation for improvement and the benefit of millions of farmers relying on this staple.
The European Union-African, Caribbean and Pacific Science and Technology Program will support research to improve and promote yam in West and Central Africa. The program will benefit six WCA countries: Cameroon, Bénin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo.