PROSPECTS OF UTILIZATION OF YAM BEAN GERMPLASM

Abstract

Global population is projected to reach approximately 10.9 billion by 2100 hence, food security is becoming a big challenge. Despite their numerous benefits in food, fibre, fodder, oil, and nutrition, as well as medicinal characteristics, many crop plant species are ignored and underutilised. These crops, on the other hand, serve a critical role in the sustenance and economic progress of underprivileged people throughout their lives, as well as enriching agro biodiversity. These crops are still neglected, and a lack of investment in research and development has resulted in a loss of agricultural biodiversity while also increasing the vulnerability of the global food supply. Yam bean [Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urban], is an underutilised legume tuber crop with numerous health benefits due to its nutrients and therapeutic characteristics. The cultivated yam bean yields a substantial root with a high starch and sugar content. However, availability of limited genetic information in yam bean hinders the genetic improvement of this crop.