Multilocational evaluation of some elite taro genotypes and their economic implications as food and income security

Abstract

Taro production and utilization in Ghana has dwindled due to the outbreak of the taro leaf blight disease. High yielding crop varieties trigger high productivity agro-based economy. Adoption of new cultivar is linked to yield, taste and preference of end-users. The objectives were to assess some taro genotypes for farmer- and consumer-preferred attributes, and economic feasibility. Orthogonal analysis was significant for parameters studied. G x E was significant for only plant height, while genotypic differences were significant for corm yield and corm weight, and corm dry matter content. Genotypes BL/SM 158, BL/SM 115, BL/SM 151, and BL/SM 16) had higher corm yield and higher tolerance to taro leaf blight disease. Benefit-cost ratio was positive. Adoption of these four genotypes as cultivars will revive the taro industry in Ghana because of their higher tolerance to the taro leaf blight disease, higher corm yield, very good cooking qualities and potential higher incomes.