CFC 10998
Andean Roots and Tuber Crops /
The Andean roots and tubers held in trust by CIP since 1990 include more than 1000 accessions representing nine species from seven countries
[See also the International Treaty and the CGIAR].
As part of its Andean biodiversity initiative, the Center has embarked on an emergency program to rescue wild and domestic Andean food crop species threatened by biological extinction or severe genetic weakening. CIP's goal is to maintain a genebank of nine crops of underexploited roots and tubers by working in cooperation with national researchers from Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil.
Along with protecting and maintaining the genetic heritage developed by Andean farmers, CIP scientists hope to find ways to increase farmer income in the highlands through the sustainable use and export of these crops, and the development of products manufactured from them.
Nine Andean species with edible roots and tubers play a major role in potato-based farming systems. These crops are of great economic and nutritional importance to subsistence Andean farmers, and are often used as substitutes for expensive fruits and vegetables in the diet. They are known in the Quechua Indian language as achira, ahipa, arracacha, maca, mashua, mauka, oca, ulluco, yacón.
Scientists believe that new uses of Andean roots and tubers can be found to help boost their demand, especially for export, thus creating economic opportunities in an area where family incomes are less than US$300 a year.
These uses include oca and achira as starches, arracacha as a baby food, and yacón in a sweetener for people with diabetes. Scientists also want to assess the usefulness of these crops in other developing countries where food production is a problem because of high altitude, frost, and the high cost of fertilizer and seed.
Most Andean roots and tubers yield well with low inputs. They also successfully withstand most biotic and abiotic stresses.
In addition to their ability to grow at high altitudes under extremely difficult conditions, these crops have a wide range and mix of desirable characteristics: high vitamin, micronutrient, and starch content; high yields; and medicinal properties. At least two are thought to have strong influences on human sexual desire.
