CONTENTS 



Page 



Preface ii 



Introduction , 1 



The edible species of Dioscorea 1 



Domestication and distribution of minor species 6 



Botany 7 



Classification 7 



Morphology 8 



Cytology 13 



Culture 14 



Cultivars 14 



Growth cycle 16 



Land preparation and planting 17 



Fertilization 18 



Care 19 



Harvest and yields 19 



Detoxification 20 



Culinary characteristics 20 



Composition 21 



Potential use 22 



Literature cited 22 



Science and Education Administration 

 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



in cooperation with 



Agency for International Development 



iii 



