New, Superior Varieties of Dioscorea alata, the Asian Greater Yam

Abstract

Ten varieties of the winged-stemmed yam, Dioscorea alata, which represent the best of a large collection from India to the islands of the Pacific, are described. These yams combine favorable field growth characteristics with good yields and suitable kitchen qualities. They are now being distributed by the Mayagüez Institute of Tropical Agriculture and should enrich the varietal base and replace lesser varieties in Puerto Rico and other areas of the tropics.