Current Challenges In Production, Management Of Colocasiae Esculenta

Taro (Colocosiae esculenta (L) Schott), is a root tuber belonging to the Araceae family. It is consumed world wide as a staple food in most developing countries particularly in Africa, Asia and Pacific regions. It is the fourteenth most consumed vegetable and the fifth most harvested root crop in the world. However this crop is underutilized, its production status, protection, agronomy, social-economic values, post-harvest challenges and management biology of the destructive taro leaf blight disease (TLBD) caused by Phytophthora colocasiae racib need to be better understood not only internationally but also in Kenya (East Africa). This book, therefore, provides an overview of the current status of these major challenges that have greatly impacted on its production in not only in Kenya but worldwide.