Understanding the Production of the Major Tropical/Subtropical Root Crops: Cassava, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Yams, and Cocoyams

摘要

Root crops is a general term commonly used for a wide variety of food plants that have an underground storage organ known as a root, tuber (rhizome), corm, or bulb. Root crops are rich in starch, and low in protein and oil. They are excellent sources of calories. Some are consumed as major staples, such as cassava, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, and the aroids (cocoyams). Others, such as carrots, onions, garlics, parsnips, and radishes, are used as fresh vegetables. Historically, governments and academic centers have paid relatively little attention to root crops as compared to grain crops. These crops have been regarded as inferior food, and produced and consumed only by the subsistence farmers in the developing parts of the world. (Copyright (c) Volunteers in Technical Assistance, Inc., 1984.)