Yams

01047

Endangered food crops.
Ddungu, J.C. (Makerere Univ. Kampala (Uganda) Dept. of Crop Science). 1996. 166 p. 11 ref. Summary First National Plant Genetic Resources Workshop: Conservation and utilisation (Uganda), p. 134.First National Plant Genetic Resources Workshop: Conservation and utilisation. Mukono (Uganda). 9-11 Nov 1992.

AGROVOC: YAMS; LYCOPERSICON; EDIBLE FUNGI; BIODIVERSITY; NATURE CONSERVATION; UGANDA.

Various yams give high yields of food per area of land. They are adapted to many different ecological zones. They are resistant to pests and diseases. They are palatable for many people in Uganda. They can stay in the ground without deterioration for a long time. They are good famine reserves. For unknown reasons some of them have disappeared. There are many different curcubits used as food at different stages of maturity. Some big gourds and calabashes were used as containers for water and for banana beer. Small ones were used for various drinks. Plastic jerrycans and cups made by The Uganda Metal, Plastic Enamel Company (TUMPECO) have taken over now. After the discovery that indigenous mushrooms were very delicious, mushroom gathering became an important enterprise. As of today only “bubaala” (small helmets) can be found in the country. Uganda orchids, when exported, are valued because they are very “exotic” and have long vase life as cur flowers. Exporters now find it very difficult to get any acceptable consignment. Surveys, inventories, identification, multiplication and conservation of these threatened species should be undertaken without further delay