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The South Pacific Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences The South Pacific Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Society
Research and review papers in the area of science, engineering and mathematics
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Improving taro (Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta) production using biotechnological approaches

Pradeep C. Deo, Anand P. Tyagi, Mary Taylor, Douglas K. Becker and Robert M. Harding

The South Pacific Journal of Natural Science 27(1) 6 - 13
Published: 15 December 2009

Abstract

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) is an important crop worldwide but is of particular significance in many Pacific Island countries where it forms part of the staple diet and serves as an export commodity. Escalating pest and disease problems are jeopardizing taro production with serious implications to food security and trade. Biotechnological approaches to addressing pest and disease problems, such as somatic embryogenesis and transgenesis, are potentially viable options. However, despite biotechnological advancements in higher profile agronomic crops, such progress in relation to Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta has been slow. This paper reviews taro biology, highlights the cultural and economic significance of taro in Pacific Island countries and discusses the progress made towards the molecular breeding of this important crop to date.

Keywords: Taro, Colocasia esculenta, biotechnology, transgenic.

https://doi.org/10.1071/SP09002

© The University of the South Pacific 2009

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