Selected Varieties of Dioscorea alata L., the Asian Greater Yam

Abstract

Each of more than 300 varieties of D. alata collected throughout the tropics have been evaluated for 100 observable characteristics in the field, at harvest, and in the laboratory and kitchen. Concepts of quality were developed from these observations and these have been used to select better varieties. Six excellent commercial-type varieties (Florido, Smooth Statia, Forastero, Veeven, Gemelos and Leone Globe) are the results of these selections which now are available for distribution throughout the tropics.